Australia’s ‘shadow lockdown’ delivers open goal to Labor

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Driving around Melbourne’s streets over the past fortnight has been an eerie experience. Despite stunning summer weather, the roads are dead and shops/cafes are open but largely devoid of clientele.

Last Saturday evening at around 5pm my family visited Easton Mall in Oakleigh – a famous mall of Greek restaurants and cafes. Our car was one of only five in the giant car park and we were some of the only people there. The restaurant staff outnumbered customers about 10-to-0ne. We’ve never seen it that quiet, especially on a summery Saturday night.

It was the same story in Acland Street StKilda on Friday night, which was equally dead. There was no need to book anywhere or worry about parking. We just rolled up and took the pick of the litter.

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About the author
Leith van Onselen is Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super. He is also a co-founder of MacroBusiness. Leith has previously worked at the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury and Goldman Sachs.