More than half of Australia’s state and territories back scrapping the GST on rapid COVID-19 tests, but Victoria says the issue is “secondary” to the federal government’s failure to secure enough of the crucial kits.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has left the door open to axing the GST on rapid tests if he gets the thumbs-up from premiers and chief ministers, with Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland and the ACT all backing the proposal.