Daniel Andrews is preparing to outline an exit strategy for Victoria's tough lockdowns, which have become a major flashpoint with the Morrison government.
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The federal aged care minister is also reopening the cheque book as he attempts to cauterise criticism of his failed response to outbreaks in nursing homes.
Victoria logged 73 new cases on Monday, the lowest daily increase since early July.
It also recorded another 41 deaths but only eight occurred in the previous 24 hours.
The remaining 33 were added to the tally after being reported to the health department.
The national coronavirus death toll stands at 652.
The Victorian premier will outline a plan to ease social and business restrictions on September 6.
"It is too early today to settle that road map and to lock that in," Mr Andrews told reporters.
"Another week's data is critically important to make sure the strategy continues to work."
Victoria's restrictions are dragging down the national economy and the federal treasurer fears the fallout will only get worse.
"This has to be the biggest public policy failure by a state government in living memory," Josh Frydenberg told reporters.
Mr Andrews refused to engage in the fight.
"None of us - none of us - have the luxury to be playing politics with these things," he said.
Melbourne's six-week stage four restrictions are due to end on September 13.
"It's hard to see that happening," Australia's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Nick Coatsworth told the Nine Network.
"I think the numbers need to be a lot less than they are now."
Dr Coatsworth compared the state to NSW and Queensland, which are recording fewer than 10 new daily cases.
With parliament back in session, the federal government is facing more uncomfortable questions about its failures in aged care.
Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck has pledged another $563 million for the sector as he tries to regain control of the conversation.
Senator Colbeck is also extending workforce retention bonuses designed to stop aged care workers moving between facilties.
New polling suggests people have cooled on the Commonwealth over its stewardship of nursing homes, and overwhelmingly side with the premiers in a federal-state tussle over internal borders.
Shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government was focused on blaming states instead of getting people back to work.
"We have a government which spends all of its time blame shifting and finger pointing," he told reporters.
"It is no surprise Australians are tiring of a prime minister who chases headlines and not jobs."
Federal politicians will pass legislation to extend JobKeeper wage subsidies this week.
The government will also stretch JobSeeker supplements until the end of this year, albeit at a lower rate.
Figures released on Wednesday will highlight the economic impact of the virus and confirm the nation is in recession.
Mr Frydenberg appears to be laying the groundwork to blame Victoria for a large slice of the economic collapse.
Economists are expecting a contraction of six per cent, the biggest since the late 1950s.
Australian Associated Press