The Queensland chief health officer's pandemic powers to order COVID-19 face mask and vaccine mandates, as well as citywide lockdowns, have been extended for six months.
The state Labor government passed its public health bill on Thursday night with the support of 48 Labor MPs, but it was opposed by the Liberal National Party, Katter's Australian Party, One Nation MPs, and independent MP Sandy Bolton.
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said Chief Health Officer John Gerrard needs the powers to act quickly given the unpredictable nature of COVID-19.
