Brian Mitchell MP, Member for Lyons, 14 February 2022
Liberals Ignore 150,000 Australians Calling For Rapid Antigen Tests Under Medicare
In Parliament today Labor tabled a petition signed by 150,000 Australians calling for rapid antigen tests to be made available under Medicare.
The Morrison Liberal Government gagged the parliament from debating the issue.
“Today might be Valentine’s Day but Scott Morrison isn’t showing Australian families any love,” said Federal Labor Lyons MP Brian Mitchell.
“Under Scott Morrison’s Liberal Government Australian many workers must pay for tests simply in order to be able to go to work and provide for their families. That’s not good enough.
“In my electorate, test kit packs of 5 are being sold for up to $80. That’s a huge cost on top of skyrocketing petrol that’s close to $2 a litre across Tasmania, ballooning housing costs, and higher prices for groceries.
“Scott Morrison gets his tests for free but he expects Australian workers to pay for theirs – he is completely out of touch.”
Mr Mitchell said a Federal Labor government led by Anthony Albanese would make rapid antigen tests available for free under Medicare.
“Medicare is there to ensure Australians get the health care they need using their Medicare card, not their credit card.
“Most people stick to a tight budget and don’t have a lazy $50 sitting around to afford these tests.
“RATs should be free and accessible for all Australians via Medicare.
