'Every Australian matters': PM brushes off criticism of his government's stringent response to COVID-19 pandemic

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has brushed off criticism of his government's stringent response to the coronavirus pandemic, declaring "every Australian matters".

Last month, Mr Morrison made the unprecedented move to close the nation's borders to international travellers and adopt strict social distancing rules that impacted millions of jobs.

In response to a reporter's question about the economic "destruction" caused by the government's coronavirus measures, which were brought in to save predominantly elderly lives, Mr Morrison defended his actions.

"Every Australian matters," he said.

"It doesn't matter whether they have just been born or approaching the end of their life – every Australian matters.

"They matter to me, they matter to my government and all of the members of parliament in this place, every state and territory premier and chief minister, every Australian matters. That's my response."

There are now more than one million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide.

Australia has recorded with 5274 cases in Australia, with 12 deaths.

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