The Australian federal government will pull back business and individual support payments once key vaccination milestones are reached, a move that could compel state and territory leaders to move away from readily locking down their jurisdictions each time COVID-19 cases emerge. On Sept. 29, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg outlined a plan that would see billions in federal cash assistance phased out once 70 and 80 percent of the over 16 population is immunised. “These COVID disaster payments, these business support payments have been emergency payments and we can’t continue them forever,” he said in a statement. “Nor can we continue lockdowns forever. If you look abroad, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States—countries are starting to live with COVID.” Currently, COVID-19 Disaster Payments offer $750 per week to individuals who have lost more than 20 hours of work each week due to government-mandated restrictions. A $450 per week payment is available …