Morrison government warned about lack of rapid antigen tests in September, AMA claims

The Australian Medical Association warned senior executives in the federal health department of the need to develop a national strategy for procuring rapid antigen tests (RATs) in September last year.

Sims told reporters the ACCC had begun investigating reports of price gouging following a request from the federal treasurer, Josh Frydenberg.

Sims said the ACCC would also be examining claims the current pricing levels of rapid antigen tests were due to challenges in obtaining supply of the tests.

The Morrison government is under growing pressure to provide free rapid antigen tests across the community as case numbers in Australia reach record highs while testing clinics remain overwhelmed.

On Tuesday, New South Wales and Victoria registered record daily case numbers. NSW had 23,131 new cases, while Victoria recorded 14,020.

Queensland registered a record 5,699 cases, while Tasmania had 702 and the ACT had 926.

On Monday, there were 2,552 cases in South Australia, 58 in the Northern Territory and two in Western Australia.