Scott Morrison still refuses to listen to advice from medical experts, businesses, and unions that large numbers of Rapid Antigen Tests are required to keep working people and the broader community safe.

More than 150,000 Australians signed a petition last month demanding the Morrison Government act immediately to make Rapid Antigen Tests free and accessible for everyone.

The ACTU says, “RATs are one of the best tools we have to stop the spread of the virus and reduce the strain on our overwhelmed healthcare system, and are provided free to anyone who needs them by governments around the world, including in the US and UK”.

It says the cost burden on low-paid workers in frontline industries, who have to test themselves and their families regularly and at their own expense, is “unacceptable”.

The ACTU says the law makes it clear that employees should never shoulder the cost of ensuring that their workplace is safe – including the provision of tests and any appropriate PPE.

ACTU Secretary, Sally McManus, said it was time for the government to respond to the voices of workers, employers and the community.

“Every Australian has been affected by the Morrison Government’s failure to secure a reliable supply of RATs. It is shameful that it is easier for Australians to catch COVID than it is to find a test kit,” she said.

“We can limit admissions to hospitals, keep workplaces open and supply chains operating if we have free and accessible RATs.”