The AFP has launched a specialist taskforce to crack down on reports rapid antigen tests are being sold at heavily inflated prices.
While referrals have been made by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in NSW and Queensland, the AFP said it expects more referrals to be made.
Charges would be laid for businesses and individuals if the rapid tests are sold for more than 20 per cent of their original retail price. Strike teams will have the power to force people caught price gouging to surrender the rapid tests, where they will be used as part of the national medical stockpile.Widespread shortages of rapid antigen tests remain due to rising cases of the Omicron variant.Assistance commissioner Ryan said Commonwealth and state agencies would be working together on the investigation."My message is clear: do not risk jail time or a significant fine for a few extra dollars.
The consumer watchdog said it had heard reports of rapid tests costing between $20 and $30 for a single test, despite wholesale costs ranging up to $11.95. In one instance, a test was sold for more than $70.The ACCC received more than 1,800 reports across the country, as widespread shortages of rapid antigen tests remain due to rising cases of the Omicron variant.
The taskforce follows reports from businesses that rapid tests were being requisitioned by the federal health department, claims the department has categorically denied."If you're being told by a supplier that you can't get those rapid antigen tests because the Commonwealth government has redirected, it's not true," he said.
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