On Wednesday NSW and Queensland join SA, WA, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT in not requiring passengers on public transport to mask-up.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet says it is a common-sense approach bringing the rules into line for people travelling on buses, trains, ride-shares, taxis and planes.

NSW Health still recommends people wear masks where they cannot physically distance and in settings where there are vulnerable people.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath is asking commuters to wear masks when appropriate.

“There are still directions. If you are someone who has been isolating, after your five days you are requested to wear masks,” she said.

Only in Victoria must public transport passengers wear a mask, unless they have a valid exemption, with a $100 penalty for dissenters.

Australian Medical Association president Professor Steve Robson said governments continued to make serious decisions with no consultation and no discussion.

“This is a major decision which will have consequences, and it should have been done with national consensus and clear health guidance,” he said.

“Masks kept us safe from infection when we didn’t have a vaccine, and they continue to be an effective, low-cost, low-hassle and proven way to protect ourselves and others.”

Robson said Covid was still very serious, particularly for vulnerable populations, and was deadly for many people.

“Restrictions are being loosened, including time in isolation, and we still don’t have any sign this was based on medical evidence,” he said.

Robson said the decision came at a time when worrying data was still being released, including in aged care.

“Many of our most vulnerable people in the community are the ones that use public transport the most,” he said.

“Masks are the last of the sensible protections, and we urge people not to abandon using them.”