But it is state and territory leaders he needs to convince today during the National Cabinet meeting. And there doesn’t appear to be much chance of that.
Despite half the population being on some form of welfare and banks wearing almost $160bn in loan deferrals, the economic catastrophe appears not to have hit home with some.
The Prime Minister and Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy have been clear about management of the virus from the beginning. There is no plan for elimination. Suppression is as good as it gets. Outbreaks will occur and a small number of people will continue to get the virus. This is the new normal, and people have to get used to it.
So what are the premiers and chief ministers waiting for?
The curve has been flattened and, as the Cedar Meats cluster has proven, flashpoints can be effectively handled.
Economic hibernation may have been needed to buy time as the health system was fortified. That test has been met. There are enough beds, ventilators and equipment to respond should isolated outbreaks occur.
The first phase of the response was about saving lives. The second was delivering the financial support to businesses and people put out of work.
Mr Morrison’s statement of intent is clear: it is time to start saving livelihoods by starting to reopen the economy.
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Scott Morrison is immovable in his resolve that the health crisis is under control and the road to economic recovery needs to begin. Immediately.