'It's baby steps': The lockdown rule that could be lifted next
Millions of Australians working from home could soon return to the office as federal and state leaders thrash out ways to reignite the economy.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will chair Tuesday's National Cabinet meeting with state premiers and territory chief ministers.
The National COVID-19 Coordination Commission will provide a high-level briefing on virus-safe workplaces as leaders mull relaxing economic and social restrictions.
Federal Industry Minister Karen Andrews has been working across a range of sectors to prepare plans for a safe return to work.
"We are very keen to get restrictions eased but to do that sensibly and based on the best medical advice that there is available," she told reporters on the Gold Coast.
"It's baby steps to make sure that we are back on track as quickly and as effectively and as safely as we can."
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will join the National Cabinet meeting to discuss the creation of a trans-Tasman travel bubble.
"The fact that we're even in a position as countries to have this conversation is a huge advantage to both of us," she said.
However, international travel limits are not expected to be lifted soon.
Australia's coronavirus death toll is at 96, with less than 1000 active cases from the 6825 detected since the pandemic erupted.
Low infection rates prompted governments to agree to bring forward a decision on lifting restrictions to this week.
Friday's National Cabinet meeting looms as crucial to easing baseline rules, with the economic cost increasingly in focus amid positive health outcomes.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show 94 per cent of the arts and recreation sector has been affected by shutdown measures.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will address the National Press Club in Canberra, outlining the path to recovery and reform in the post-virus landscape.
Unemployment is forecast to hit 10 per cent, while millions are relying on the JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme and the boosted dole.
More than 4.5 million people have downloaded the COVIDSafe tracing app but the government wants millions more to sign on.
CSIRO is testing two vaccines – from the US and the UK – sparking hopes one could be available later this year or early in 2021.
"It's entirely possible that by the end of this year or early next year, we will have a vaccine for COVID-19," Ms Andrews said.
"That's particularly important because quite frankly, until such time as we have a vaccine, life is not going to return to normal."
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
