Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry has slammed the Federal Government for ending the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment and ending free rapid antigen tests (RAT) for concession card holders.
This comes after Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler confirmed these measures would be ending by the end of July.
Ms Landry said the decision is short-sighted and puts vulnerable people in Capricornia at risk.
“The pattern of behaviour in the Albanese Government’s health response to Covid is deeply concerning.
“The Albanese Government must explain its decision to end the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment and cut free RATs to concession card holders.
“These payments, introduced by the Morrison Government, provided up to $750 for people who missed work after testing positive for COVID-19, while isolating as a close contact or caring for a positive case. Australians are rightly asking themselves: who picks up the tab for complying with mandatory home isolation now?
“At a time when we are seeing a massive increase in the number of Covid cases and cost of living pressures impacting on Australians, Mr Butler must outline what expert advice has formed the basis of his decision.
“There have already been cuts to 70 Telehealth services, cuts to the pandemic leave disaster payments, and now cuts to the access of rapid antigen testing for concession card holders.
“You would have to question the timing of these cuts when it is so important that Australians are mindful of this new, dangerous wave of Covid going through our communities,” Ms Landry said.
