Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the state and territories did agree that leaders should prioritise keeping schools open.

Cabinet agreed last week to a set of key principals around schools that would be followed when the individual states and territories make the decision on a start date for term one.

More news: Progress Pride flag to be considered by Greater Bendigo council

"Return to school (plans) will be announced individually by each jurisdiction over the next few days," he said at a press conference on Thursday.

"We need schools to open and we need to see them stay open.

"If schools don't stay open, you could see further furloughing of our workforce go from 10 to 15 per cent, which would have a devastating effect on our economy."

Mr Morrison said that while national cabinet had not received medical advice recommending regular testing of teachers or students at school, some states and territories may put testing systems in place.

He said if that were the route chosen, the jurisdiction would receive federal finance support.

"Where surveillance testing is elected... including for early childhood education and childcare centres, the government will be supporting that 50-50 through the national partnership," he said.

Mr Morrison also said claims suggesting rapid antigen tests are being redirected by the federal government are "categorically untrue".

Other stories:

"Supplies of rapid antigen testing kits are not being redirected to the Commonwealth and, at no time, has the department sought to place itself ahead of other commercial and retail entities," he said.

Mr Morrison also said on Thursday an industry proposal to lower the minimum age for forklift licences from 18 to 16 was considered but dismissed by national cabinet.

"We agreed to proceed no further with the issue of 16-year old-forklift drivers," he said.

"We had a good discussion about it today and that is not something that we believe collectively that that should be pursued at this time."

-With AAP

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: