It's probably a combination of a few things. I think you're right that it wasn't a fear of punishment. It's a difficult question to discuss without getting political. Probably worth reading some Australian media to see if you can get a feel for the political environment. Might give a better perspective.
Otherwise I think we had a bit of a headstart and saw the effects overseas and so a lot of people knew how devastating it could be. When Melbourne went into hard lockdown I would guess that it was partly lucky that the virus hadn't infected a huge number of people. The worst days had ~700 infections. I think overall people understood the reasons why lockdown was being implemented even if not fully supported. While it didn't affect the general population as badly, it decimated the aged health care sector here so that surely played on peoples minds.
Of course some people protested and were caught skirting the rules but I would say they were in the minority. Not too sure though. I only read this in the news, don't live in Melbourne.
There was some talk in the media and tension between federal and state governments about whether or not it was the right way to go about things too but not discussing it here.
Otherwise I think we had a bit of a headstart and saw the effects overseas and so a lot of people knew how devastating it could be. When Melbourne went into hard lockdown I would guess that it was partly lucky that the virus hadn't infected a huge number of people. The worst days had ~700 infections. I think overall people understood the reasons why lockdown was being implemented even if not fully supported. While it didn't affect the general population as badly, it decimated the aged health care sector here so that surely played on peoples minds.
Of course some people protested and were caught skirting the rules but I would say they were in the minority. Not too sure though. I only read this in the news, don't live in Melbourne.
There was some talk in the media and tension between federal and state governments about whether or not it was the right way to go about things too but not discussing it here.