The state’s Chief Health Officer’s emergency powers have been extended until at least October, announcing that Queensland is close to its transmission peak as COVID cases continue to rise.

The increasing cases are placing more pressure on hospitals, with more than three-thousand health workers currently in isolation.

Former State Labor Speaker John Mickel told Scott Emerson on 4BC Drive that it is essential for the government to be honest and explain the reasons for the decisions made with the emergency powers.

“I think what we’ve got to do with these pandemics is bring the public along with us and the way to do that is you make the decision making transparent,” he told Emerson.

“Because you’ve got people’s businesses at stake with it. We had a prolonged pandemic, and the public in Queensland has been very patient, but you want to maintain that relationship.”

Press PLAY to hear John Mickel’s thoughts on the decision made for the Chief Health Officer, then hear 4BC host Scott Emerson comment on the CHO’s powers.