Unaffordable RAT prices could hurt Omicron response

By Fergus Halliday

January 05 2022
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As demand for rapid antigen tests skyrockets, advocacy groups are calling for the government to step in for those who can’t afford regular tests.

Unaffordable RAT prices could hurt Omicron response

The Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) has raised concerns about the affordability of rapid antigen testing as Australia enters a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ACOSS president Peter McNamara said that those relying on income support payments would be unable to bear the costs of regular testing, which has taken on an increased prominence within the pandemic response plans of both federal and state governments.

“The need for governments to keep all people safe from the virus is as pressing as it ever was,” he said.

Mr McNamara predicted that the economic burden of regular rapid antigen testing would leave those below the poverty line unable to assess their risk from COVID-19.

“It is irresponsible and callous of the federal government to fail to make provision for up to three million people already struggling to survive below the poverty line,” he said.

Mr McNamara warned that this individual risk could easily spread through families and communities.

ACOSS’ commentary comes following moves by the national cabinet that will see those who are considered to be a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case required to get a rapid antigen test (RAT) at their own expense rather than the PCR tests that have been used in the past.

“We will be providing them only where it is recommended to us that they need to be provided,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

This shift in public policy has accelerated the already-growing demand for local RAT tests, leading to reports of price gouging and shortages.

Earlier this week, federal Health Minister Greg Hunt pledged that the government would look to take “strong, clear, swift action” if evidence of widespread price gouging was discovered.

Following a referral by federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has said that it will be establishing a dedicated team to assess the issue.

“We won’t be shy to name and shame suppliers and retailers we consider to be doing the wrong thing,” ACCC chair Rod Sims said.

ACOSS argued that ensuring that everyone has equitable access to both vaccines and testing resources was the most effective way to protect the community.

Mr McNamara called on the federal government to increase its investment in community-led health initiatives, describing them as a vital complementary force to mass vaccination clinics.

“These are organisations working locally to inform people about the latest COVID-19 developments, explain the benefits of the vaccine, arrange for them to have access to a jab, and check on them afterwards,” he said.

ACOSS also called on the Department of Health to release more granular data about the pandemic in support of these community-led efforts.

“By knowing who is yet to be vaccinated and where they are, and their vulnerability to the virus, community-led health services can reach them and offer coverage,” Mr McNamara said.

About the author

Fergus Halliday

Fergus is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He likes to write about money, markets, how innovation is changing the financial landscape and how younger consumers can achieve their goals in unpredictable times.

About the author

Fergus Halliday

Fergus is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He likes to write about money, markets, how innovation is changing the financial landscape and how younger consumers can achieve their goals in unpredictable times.

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