RAPID antigen tests should be universally available to all Canberrans who need them, says Emma Campbell, CEO of the ACT Council of Social Service.

“Up to 10 free tests for concession and health care card holders is a good start. However, thousands of Canberrans will still struggle to access and pay for the rapid tests that they need,” said Dr Campbell.

“There are many people on low incomes who do not have the necessary concession card and who will struggle to afford a RAT [rapid antigen test] that they might require for work purposes or before visiting vulnerable relatives or friends.

“Priority need should be the determinant of access, not ability to pay.

“Denying free RATs to those who need them because of cost would be a denial of the universal principles underlying Medicare – principles essential for a just and equitable society.

Dr Campbell said that many Canberrans including people with disability, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, older people, women escaping domestic violence, temporary visa holders and people experiencing homelessness may not be able to access a pharmacy, do not have an appropriate concession card or may need more than the 10 free tests available.

“It is vital that rapid antigen tests are made available to community sector organisations who are best placed to provide free RATs to marginalised people most at risk from COVID-19 who may not be able to access free kits at pharmacies.”

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