Two in three want state borders reopened

But there is very little hope for anyone wanting to see friends and family in Western Australia this summer.

Most other states are gradually easing their border restrictions as coronavirus case numbers come under control.

South Australia is extending its buffer zone with Victoria and Queensland is on track to reopen to NSW from next month.

The Northern Territory has even outlined plans to allow visitors from regional Victoria.

But every fresh announcement is making Western Australia less enthusiastic about welcoming back interstate travellers.

The state's chief health officer says Western Australia can't risk relying on other states to control the spread of coronavirus.

"If we reopen our borders up to other states, we then rely on their borders," Andy Robertson told ABC radio.

"We're not concerned specifically about states likes South Australia and the Northern Territory. But people can do that sort of border-hopping and rapidly travel in."

Some 67 per cent of respondents to a weekly survey by lobbying firm Newgate want state border closures canned by Christmas, up from 63 per cent.

Victorians and NSW residents remain most supportive of open borders.

However, the majority of those in Western Australia want the state to remain shut.

Victoria recorded 15 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday and one more death, taking the national toll to 895.

Melbourne's 14-day average, which is crucial to easing lockdown restrictions, has dropped to 10.6.

The average must be below five for restrictions to ease on October 19.

"The light is getting brighter," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday.

NSW has now gone 11 days without any local transmission of coronavirus, but the state has recorded 11 new cases in hotel quarantine.

Two returned overseas travellers undergoing hotel quarantine in South Australia have also tested positive.

Queensland recorded yet another day of no new coronavirus infections on Tuesday and there are just seven active cases across the state.

However, just 2506 people were tested for coronavirus, which is half the state government's daily target.

Health authorities in other states are also concerned about falling test numbers.

Newgate's survey continues to show a steady rise in community confidence about easing coronavirus restrictions.

There has been a significant increase in the proportion of people who agree governments are taking appropriate measures to protect people's health.

But Victorians remain least likely to agree restrictions are fair and reasonable, with discontent becoming more obvious as Melbourne residents remain in lockdown.

Economic recovery has firmed as the number one concern among Australians, with worries about the coronavirus falling to the lowest level since May, before the second wave.

A growing majority of people believe the spread of the virus will diminish in coming months.

And while predictions for the economy continue to improve, concerns about job security are falling.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has promised his federal budget will steer the economy out of recession.

The budget papers are stuffed with personal income tax cuts and wage subsidies for young workers.

Small businesses are set to receive investment allowances and pensioners will pocket lump sum cash payments.

But the budget also contains record deficits and growing debt.

The climb out of recession will depend on virus numbers dropping and a vaccine being rolled out next year.

Australian Associated Press