End of free rapid tests comes on top of decisions not to extend pandemic leave and scaling back of longer telehealth consultations
Anthony Albanese has doubled down on the federal government’s decision not to extend free rapid antigen tests for concession card holders beyond 31 July.
The end of the federal program, confirmed by the health minister Mark Butler on Tuesday, comes on top of controversial decisions not to extend pandemic leave payments to help Covid positive workers isolate and scaling back longer telehealth consultations. “I’d encourage concession card-holders to go and get the 10 free rapid antigen tests that they’re eligible for by the end of this month. There’s still a lot of time to go and do that.”The shadow health minister, Anne Ruston, has called on the government to outline expert advice underpinning the decision to end free rapid tests.
Prof Sharon Lewin, director of the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, said the government “maybe needs to rethink” the decision to end free RATs.
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