Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has called on states to use rapid antigen tests to test interstate travellers as testing times blow out across the country, further exacerbated by the so-called “tourist tests”.
“We are encouraging obviously states to adopt the rapid antigen tests as opposed to the PCR test ahead of interstate travel,” Frydenberg says.
“I think that’s a common-sense approach. It’s quicker, it’s cheaper, and it puts less pressure on the health systems, and we have seen that overload in recent weeks with the very long queues and the waiting times.”
“I think that’s a sensible balance recognising that people want some level of surety about their health status before they travel. But at the same time want to avoid the long queues and long waiting times coming with the PCR tests.”
Frydenberg stopped short of committing to provide free rapid antigen tests that countries such as Canada, the US, Germany and the UK already provide, but said federal and state governments were looking at options.
“We have already been providing rapid antigen tests to, for example, the more at risk communities in the aged care facilities. And those tests are being made available.
“So we are rolling out and paying for PCR tests, we are supporting rapid antigen tests, but we also have to recognise that more people will be using these rapid antigen tests going forward. So we are looking at our options.”
Two rapid antigen tests usually cost about $25 at a chemist, when they are available.
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