Labor’s decision to end access to free Rapid Antigen Tests for concession card holders without detailing the health advice requires explanation.
To end this program, at a time when we are seeing a massive increase in the number of Covid cases and cost of living pressures are seriously impacting Australians, appears premature.
Labor are defying advice from key stakeholders and experts including the AMA, RACGP and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.
Whilst these measures were not intended to be permanent, Mr Butler must outline what expert advice has formed the basis of his decision to end this program.
As Mr Butler tweeted this year, “Rapid antigen tests should be free and easily available. We’re in a pandemic, everyone needs access.” Does Mr Butler believe we are no longer in a pandemic and that is why he has made this decision?
The pattern of behaviour in the Albanese Government’s health response to Covid is worrying. They have already cut 70 Telehealth services, cut the pandemic leave disaster payments to the most vulnerable workers, and now cut access to free rapid antigen testing for concession card holders.
Australians must question the timing of these cuts, especially during the midst of the new, dangerous wave of Covid going through our communities.
@Anne_Ruston
/AnneRuston