I'm in SA. Handful of lockdowns days throughout the entirety of COVID so far. I wear a mask for a few seconds to order at the pub, and on flights, and that's about it. Still go to restaurants, not having to homeschool, I've travelled quite a lot in SA, WA and NT over the last 18 months. Don't know anyone personally who has had COVID. Barely seen any police anywhere in 18 months. Work (in tourism content) has been busier than ever. I can see why people outside of the East coast in Australia might be OK with borders/quarantine as they are to date.
My uncle's few days in a mask were in Sydney. No broken bones thus far. I've about a dozen relatives in Oz, including quite a few on the mainland; all seem to have had a much better pandemic experience than I have in the States.
Now have them attempt that on the mainland. They'll be liable to have their bones broken by the police response.