Health minister explains confusing rule allowing planes to be filled to full capacity but tourism and fishing boat charters are restricted to one person per two square metres
Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath has explained that planes can be at full capacity because it's easier to contact trace but free movement on boats forces numbers to be limited.
A public health order in the state says all boats, such as tourism dive tours and fishing charters, must limit capacity to one person per two square metres.
Meanwhile, flights in and out of the state have no restrictions other than instructions to 'maintain social distance as much as possible'.
Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath has explained that planes can be at full capacity because it's easier to contact trace but free movement on boats forces numbers to be limited
Flights in and out of the state have no restrictions other than instructions to 'maintain social distance as much as possible'
Ms D'Ath was grilled during the first question time of Queensland's newly-elected 57th Parliament about the different capacity rules.
She accused the Liberal National Party for putting 'doubt in the minds of' travellers going to the Sunshine State, Brisbane Times reported.
'There is not one leader, one health minister around the world who is detailing all of the complex medical information,' she said.
'Planes have allocated seating per individual which we know every single person and we know where they sit so they are able to be contact traced.
'There is information out there globally on this dangerous virus they have not grasped ... more than 1.4 million deaths – what more does the opposition need?'
Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm earlier this week said boat operators in her electorate were suffering.
A Queensland public health order says all boats such as tourism dive tours and fishing charters must limit capacity to one person per two square metres
The Whitsundays is a tourism dependent area that has heavily suffered due to the lack of travellers into Queensland.
Ms Camm said she was looking at discussing the matter of capacity with the chief health officer.
'Particularly in my part of the world, where charter boat operators are really only at 50 per cent capacity. We would like to understand those restrictions,' she said.
Queensland has reduced its restrictions to allow up to 50 people to gather in homes and public spaces.
Ms D'Ath was grilled during the first question time of Queensland's newly-elected 57th Parliament about the different capacity rules. Pictured: a CityCat fetty on the Brisbane River
Person limits in indoor premises have increased to one person every two square metres and up to 200 people can attend weddings and funerals, and all guests can dance at weddings, both indoors and outdoors.
Seated and ticketed indoor events such as theatre, live music and sport has been increased to 100 per cent.
Outdoor events are allowed to have 1,000 attendees and open air stadiums can have 100 per cent capacity with a COVID-safe plan.
A Queensland Health spokesman said the capacity on flights is a federal government issue with all airlines guided by industry-wide recommendations.