Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has called for an end to the war of words over the availability of rapid antigen tests.

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath yesterday hit out at the federal government’s new ad campaign informing Australians it has secured millions of tests, saying Queensland was in short supply.

But Ms Andrews said it was time to work together.

“This is a time that we all should be pulling together in the one direction, not squabbling with each other, that’s unhelpful to all Australians,” she told Neil Breen.

“I would encourage all of our state folks to make sure they are working in the best interest.”

But Neil said the lacking availability of rapid antigen tests was the “biggest issue facing Australia”.

Neil: The public is asking why didn’t any level of government see this coming last year and know we needed millions of RATs?

Minister Andrews: I understand where you are coming from with that question. And what I can tell you is federally we have purchased more than 89 million RATs.

Neil: Where are they?

Minister Andrews: They are for use in aged care settings, they are coming into the country now.

Neil: But how can workers get back to work if the are only in the aged care sector? We all need them.

Press PLAY below to hear the full exchange