The Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, has added her voice to calls to make rapid antigen testing kits freely available calling it “un-Australian” that some people still have to pay.

“We’re in a pandemic and this Government has had since September, when the TGA approved rapid tests, to put in place a system so that anyone who wants and needs a test can do so. They have failed,” says Mrs Phillips.

“This is all being handled in a manner consistent with the way the Prime Minister handled the bushfires two years ago and the way he handled the vaccine roll-out last year.

“Local businesses and workers need access to rapid antigen tests – they’ve been through so much and the government needs to support them to stay safe and keep our local economy going.

“This latest Morrison Government response is again way too little, and far too late. It never prepares for what is necessary.”

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is amongst groups calling on the Government to urgently expand access to rapid antigen tests.

“We must do everything possible to ensure that anyone can access a rapid antigen test when they need one,” says RACGP President Dr Karen Price.

“PCR testing is struggling to meet enormous demand as cases surge and rapid antigen tests can play an important role in protecting the health system and the community.

“Without access to PCR testing, those who are COVID-19-positive cannot access pathways of clinical care for COVID-19 in the community including remote monitoring of symptoms and escalation if symptoms worsen. Unless they have a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, patients also cannot access the COVID-19 treatment sotrovimab. Furthermore, their close contacts are at risk of spreading COVID-19 further as they are simply not aware that they are at risk.”

The RACGP is calling on the Government to:

• provide general practice with a stock of rapid antigen tests for patients with a medical history or symptoms that suggest a test is needed
• provide high risk locations such as supported accommodation and aged care facilities with a stock of rapid antigen tests
• provide free access to all people in Australia, supply permitting, and prioritising target populations during any periods of short supply.

Earlier this week, the Federal Government removed the need for PCR testing after a positive rapid antigen test to relieve pressure on testing centres, and announced free rapid antigen tests for concession holders.