Peak medical groups have criticised the government's decision to end free RATs for concession holders and COVID-19 support payments but the Prime Minister has doubled down on the move and refused to call it a 'mistake'.
The new government has decided to follow its predecessor's plan, claiming the move follows the advice of health experts.
"We'll continue to take advice and monitor what's going on. That's the position that the Government has. Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Wednesday admitted the government could not afford to continue the COVID-19 support payments at this stage of the pandemic. “Australians have responded magnificently to those challenges. And my Government will continue to take the health advice and continue to take action based upon that advice.”
“While recognising that our approach to test-trace-isolate has changed since the program was launched in January, testing with even mild symptoms remains an expectation of everyone in the community.”