Queensland authorities slam 'disturbing' act of forging mask exemption badges

Queensland authorities have today taken aim at those evading the state's mask mandate by wearing fraudulent exemption badges and attempting to fake medical conditions.

The "irresponsible" stunt has both police and disability advocates concerned that the misuse of the badges may harm the credulity of those who have legitimate reasons not to wear masks.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'ath today labelled it as "disturbing".

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"People shouldn't be finding ways to work around the rules," Ms D'ath said.

"If you don't have a mask on, you are risking yourself getting the virus; it is not worth trying to come up with a fake excuse not to wear a mask."

Deputy Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski echoed the Health Minister's stance, suggesting those who legitimately struggle to wear masks should stay home.

"For those that are so vulnerable that they can't wear a mask, they should be thinking about whether they should be moving around the community anyway," Mr Gollschewski said.

Disability advocates have called for understanding following today's comments, saying that those already struggling shouldn't be forced to stay inside.

"I would certainly be concerned about any circumstance whereby people with disabilities were further precluded from accessing their community," Bayley House CEO Warwick Cavanagh told 9News.

"Autism, for one, people with sensory issues, really do struggle with wearing masks."