Mark Butler said the restrictions Labor introduced mirrored those imposed by countries comparable to Australia and were in line with advice from the World Health Organisation.
Mr Butler gave his first press conference on Thursday afternoon since announcing travellers from China would be required to test negative before boarding their flight to Australia - a requirement that came into force at 12.01am.for the move as it went against the advice of the Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly, who found there was not “sufficient public health rationale” to justify the restrictions.
Health Minsiter Mark Butler said the government's restrictions mirrored those enforced by countries comparable to Australia. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman“I’ve accepted every positive recommendation contained in the [CMO’s] advice,” Mr Butler said. “If I decided not to implement some of those recommendations… there would have been a valid criticism, but I have accepted all four recommendations from Professor Kelly.
Health Minister Mark Butler imposed mandatory COVID-19 tests for travellers to Australia from China despite the Chief Medical Officer finding the measure was"disproportionate to the risk".
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