The federal government has been accused of “haphazard decision-making” after overruling the nation’s chief medical officer to impose new COVID-19 rules.

From Thursday, travellers arriving from China, Hong Kong and Macau are required to submit a negative COVID-19 test in the 48 hours before boarding a flight to Australia.

The new rule went against Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly’s advice, which said there is not enough rationale to impose any new restrictions on travellers from China.

Queensland LNP leader David Crisafulli said there’s “nothing more important” than clear and cohesive messaging from the federal government.

“It just seems like a very haphazard decision-making process,” he told Peter Fegan on 4BC Summer Mornings. “If it’s not, come out and explain.

“It’s up to the government to explain what they knew when, what they’ve communicated to the public, what’s behind the decision, and where to from here.”

The World Health Organisation has expressed concern that China is not sharing data in real-time amid an explosion of infections, making it difficult to gauge whether new variants are emerging.

It’s led a number of countries, including the US, UK, Italy, Spain, Japan and South Korea, to impose similar pre-departure testing requirements.

“Good governments are open and transparent and explain what is behind a decision,” Mr Crisafulli continued.

“There will be times where people disagree with your decision but respect you for making it.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview 

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