Photo: Getty ImagesAustralia's conservative government has clashed with state lawmakers over how fast to relax social distancing restrictions, as the number of new Covid-19 cases showed a steady decline. In March, Australia created a national cabinet which includes federal, state and territory leaders to coordinate measures to stop the disease spreading, closing international and domestic borders, suspending schools and closing businesses. But the federal government is now struggling to persuade states to relax restrictions in order to get the economy moving, especially after Victoria suffered a second wave of infections last month. "I will not be bullied nor will I be intimidated by the Prime Minister of this country." Home to one-quarter of Australia's 25 million population, Victoria accounts for about 75% of the country's more than 26,000 Covid-19 cases and 90% of its 788 deaths.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 10, 2020 07:30 UTC