Report into Queensland's $233m Wellcamp quarantine facility released

Queensland's independent auditor has delivered a critical assessment of the way the state government ordered the Wellcamp quarantine facility.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has defended her government's actions over the build and her response to COVID-19 in a press conference shortly after the report was released.

The quarantine facility, which cost taxpayers $223 million, opened after the state borders were relaxed and is now in private hands.

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The auditor-general has found while the government was busy trying to build the facility, it should have been exploring other home and hotel quarantine options as they were a viable alternative and would have been "value for money".

The report made several recommendations, including measures to increase transparency.

The findings highlighted the fact the government refused to release the full cost of the Wellcamp build for one year after the contracts were signed.

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Palaszczuk said her government was acting on the best advice at the time and explained why the government delayed releasing the final costings.

"They were commercial in confidence," she said.

"My understanding was when it was felt the dollar amount could be released, it was released."

The report also found there is no reason for secrecy and the public should be informed.

The review is the last of its type into why the state government decided Wellcamp was its best option.

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