Scott Morrison is encouraging state premiers to ease COVID-19 isolation rules despite an expected uptick in cases during winter.
The prime minister said it was ultimately a decision for premiers to make, but they needed to weigh up the economic consequences of keeping the current rules in place.
"I have always been a fan of these isolation rules being eased," he told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.
"I know the impact it has on the economy - of people not being able to go to work, the impact on caring for children, and the disruption it has."
The prime minister's comments come after the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee recommended a nationally consistent approach to transition away from close contact quarantine requirements.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he was "a bit surprised" by the prime minister's suggestion that states and territories would ultimately decide when to relax isolation rules.
The national group of chief health officers, chaired by Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly, made a judgement "not at this time", Mr Andrews said.
"Hopefully that time comes, though, and we're able to make those changes," he told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday..
When the time does come to change isolation rules, Mr Andrews wants medical advice to be followed.
"If there's a quarrel between the prime minister and the chief medical officer, well, I respectfully suggest that he sort that out," he said.
"I'm in the business of following advice."
"(Morrison has) asked a question (to the AHPPC) on behalf of all of us ... and he doesn't like the answer and that was apparently my fault. I don't think so."
Meanwhile, Health Minister Greg Hunt is encouraging anyone eligible to get a winter COVID-19 shot, including people aged 65 and older, Indigenous Australians aged at least 50, disability care residents and the immunocompromised.
He said people could pair the COVID vaccine with the annual flu shot to protect against both viruses this winter.
"Vaccines are your best protection against the most severe impacts of COVID and may provide protection against long COVID.
"Even if you have had COVID-19, it is important to maximise your protection from severe illness and have a booster."
LATEST 24-HOUR COVID-19 DATA FROM ACROSS AUSTRALIA:
NSW: 19,183 cases, 12 deaths, 1467 in hospital, 56 in ICU
Victoria: 12,007 cases, eight deaths, 339 in hospital, 18 in ICU
Tasmania: 2437 cases, no deaths, 44 in hospital, two in ICU
ACT: 918 cases, one death, 41 in hospital, five in ICU
Queensland: 9946 cases, eight deaths, 479 in hospital, 15 in ICU
Western Australia: 8145 cases, five historical deaths, 242 in hospital, six in ICU
South Australia: 5068 cases. four deaths, 206 in hospital, 11 in ICU.
Northern Territory: 550 new cases, no deaths, 18 in hospital, one in ICU.
