The Health Services Union (HSU) is calling on the Morrison Government to take urgent action on Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) price gouging and commit to providing free RAT kits, with reports tests are now being sold for $30 each.
HSU National President Gerard Hayes said it is disgraceful private companies are exploiting the public's need for essential health supplies.
"Big retailers profiteering is no different to individuals looting during a crisis. The Prime Minister needs to step in and ensure Rapid Antigen Tests are free and accessible to everyone who needs them," Mr Hayes said.
"When the Morrison Government and NSW Government decided they would allow Omicron to rip through the community, they should have had a plan in place for COVID testing.
"But there was no plan, and now our health system is currently overwhelmed and private testing clinics are temporarily closing due to the backlog of samples needed to be processed.
"RATs can provide a quick answer to those who think they may have contracted the virus.
"However, we cannot expect potentially COVID-positive patients to travel to multiple different shops to find RATs, and then pay through the nose for them.
"Many people cannot afford to make ends meet week to week, let alone budget for $150 or more in Rapid Antigen Tests for their family.
"The NSW Department of Fair Trading has already received complaints of price gouging and the Morrison Government must take action immediately.
"Profiteering from RATs goes against the basic principles of free universal healthcare which Australia has prided itself on for decades."
