Labor says there’s no economic deterrent for the federal government making rapid COVID tests more accessible. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has drawn widespread criticism, saying his government won’t “undercut” retailers by providing tests to the community.

Meanwhile, there have been multiple reports of retailers price gouging as high demand for rapid antigen tests continues.

Chris O’Keefe: “The rapid tests, if Labor’s elected in March or May, will you make them free?”

Jim Chalmers: “Well we’ve said for some time now, Chris, no one should miss out on a test because they can’t afford one-”

Chris O’Keefe: “So you’re going to subsidise them, rather than make them free, is that what you’re saying?”

Jim Chalmers: “Well, by May, … we don’t know where we’ll be by then. That’ll be too late for this current wave of tests.

“We’ve said all along you shouldn’t miss out if you can’t afford one; that means free for a lot of people.”

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