Premier Gladys Berejiklian has been forced to admit she did not follow the NSW Health guidelines stipulating people must isolate after taking a COVID-19 test.
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Ms Berejiklian said she took the test a week ago in her parliament house office on NSW budget day because she was losing her voice and knew she would be asked about it by reporters.
It was a busy day and she continued working, meeting with colleagues and staff during the two hours it took to get the negative result.
"I accept that in hindsight, I should have kept my doors shut for the 90 minutes or two hours while I was waiting for the result," Ms Berejiklian told ABC TV on Tuesday.
"But ... I knew that I didn't have any symptoms ... I didn't have a sore, scratchy throat. I didn't have a runny nose."
Opposition Leader Jodi McKay said the explanation was unacceptable, and the premier has a "pattern of behaviour" when it comes to acting above the rules.
She said Ms Berejiklian must publicly clarify when she had the test and when her results were received.
Ms Berejiklian was present for the treasurer's budget speech at noon last Tuesday as well as Question Time in state parliament from 2.15pm, and again when a division was called at 5:40pm.
"Did she have the results before that division or did she walk into that parliament, with 90 plus MPs, not knowing the result of that test," Ms McKay told reporters on Tuesday.
Ms Berejiklian said she had been so COVID cautious that she hadn't even hugged her parents since February.
"I haven't let anyone touch me," she said.
Opposition health spokesman Ryan Park earlier said it was clear that the premier "had a scratchy throat, which we all know is a symptom of COVID-19".
"She has tried to worm her way out of it but it's black and white - the premier should have self isolated," Ms McKay said.
"The premier shouldn't even have gone to work that morning."
Australian Associated Press
