Queensland human rights commissioner warns against extending Covid emergency powers

Scott McDougall says the public's willingness to accept restrictions on their rights might be tested in future pandemic waves

• All you need to know about Guardian Australia's state news coverage
• Get our free news app; get our morning email briefing

Queensland's human rights commissioner has warned the state's lawmakers a vacuum of oversight" could undermine public faith crucial to responding to future pandemics should they extend the chief health officer emergency powers.

Commissioner Scott McDougall told a parliamentary committee on Monday it should reject the Palaszczuk government's move to extend those powers by another six months and instead replace the temporary measures with fit-for-purpose, pandemic legislation" that was transparent, accountable and more compatible with human rights".