Lack of rapid antigen tests a 'federal failure'

INDI independent federal MP Helen Haines has accused the Federal Government of failing Australia's most vulnerable people because of the lack of rapid antigen tests, particularly for pensioners, and those living in aged care centres or with disability. Dr Haines said hundreds of pensioners throughout the Indi electorate last week attended pharmacies to pick up the free rapid tests that she said the Prime Minister promised weeks ago. "They left empty–handed," she said. "The community in North East Victoria has done their job in this pandemic – we got vaccinated, we endured the border lockdowns, we've done everything asked of us, but the Prime Minister continues to fail us." Dr Haines said last week she assisted a local aged care centre in sourcing 100 rapid antigen tests for residents and staff following an outbreak. She said pharmacists have reported they have no supply of rapid tests to use as part of the program for free rapid tests for pensioners. "The most vulnerable in our community are the ones most affected by this failure by the government," Dr Haines said. "Residents in aged care centres are missing out on vital contact with their loved ones, the moments of connection and love, because rapid antigen tests can't be sourced to ensure a negative result before a visit. "I am hearing from members of the community who also supplement the care provided to their relatives in aged care facilities. "They are worried about elderly people who have been confined to their rooms for days on end." Dr Haines said she met with some pharmacists in Indi last week who said they had been overwhelmed with phone calls and visits from pensioners asking for the tests, but there had been no communication from the government about how the program would work. "We are now two years into the pandemic, and six months from when the government was told it needed to order rapid antigen tests and have a strategy for their use," she said. "People are calling my office confused about the tests and upset that they are seeing advertisements for free tests they can't access. "The government has needlessly put them in this position."

Lack of rapid antigen tests a 'federal failure'

Alpine Observer, Wednesday, 16 September, 2026

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