Transport Minister David Elliott rejects ‘stupid’ decision for free rapid antigen tests for MPs
Transport Minister David Elliott has rejected the ‘stupid’ decision to provide free Rapid Antigen Tests to MPs, instead donating them to a women's refuge.
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Transport Minister David Elliott has described the distribution of free Rapid Antigen Tests for politicians as “stupid”.
On January 11, it was revealed politicians would receive free rapid antigen tests, as essential workers battle to find tests at skyrocketing prices as stock runs dry.
However, the Baulkham Hills state Liberal MP said the free tests, which will be sent out to members of parliament in the coming days were “unsolicited by me or my office”.
“The decision to distribute free tests to politicians was stupid,” Mr Elliott said.
“To that end this morning I spoke to domestic violence case workers servicing my electorate and have decided that I will be donating any tests received at my office to the The Sanctuary – The Hills Women’s Shelter in Castle Hill.
“They will be used to keep women and children who are guests of The Sanctuary safe.
“I also thank my electorate staff for agreeing to forfeit these tests.”
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottett said the move by Mr Elliott was “a very sensible position”.
“My view would be that members of parliament, who were not going into (high risk) settings, should distribute those rapid antigen tests to those frontline areas in their community that need them,” he said.
“I don’t think that the delivery of those tests was necessary at all.
“I think that most members of parliament in the main, should not be going into high risk settings. If they are required to for official purposes, then they should have a rapid energy test before they go in.
“It may be the case with a member of parliament in the course of their official duties that that is required.”
Meanwhile, Treasurer Matt Kean said he would donate tests to the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter.
Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Minister Rob Stokes told Newslocal he would be donating his office’s tests to Mona Vale Hospital.
Planning Minister Anthony Roberts has revealed he will donate his stock to Lane Cove Community Aid. While Multiculturalism Minister, Mark Coure, said he will donate his stock to 3Bridges Community Services in Penshurst.
“3bridges do amazing work in our local community, from helping when a new baby arrives, with before and after school care, and as parents age and much needed support for people with a disability,” he said.
Matt Kean tells @marklevy2gb that he will donate his free rapid tests to a Hornsby charity, Anthony Roberts will donate his to the Lane Cove Community Centre. Chris Minns donating his too. @2GB873
— Chris O'Keefe (@cokeefe9) January 11, 2022
While Oxley state Nationals MP Melinda Pavey told Triple M Coffs Harbour’s Michael Moffett she would also donate her stock to her community.
“My office made the descision that our community need these rapid antigen tests more than we do,” Ms Pavey said. “There’s a lot of people really struggle at the moment to be able to keep their jobs and keep the economy going.
“We’re going to donate our rapid antigen tests when they arrive.”
Opposition Leader Chris Minns said he was donating his RAS tests to the Kogarah Storehouse.
Campbelltown state Labor MP Greg Warren echoed the remarks of Mr Elliott, telling NewsLocal he will donate the tests to the WILMA Women’s Health Centre in Macarthur.
“I don’t see myself as anymore entitled than anyone else,” he said. “(I will be) purchasing my own if I need one.”
While Deputy Opposition Leader Prue Car said she would donate her RAS tests to frontline workers in the community.
But the gesture wasn’t received warmly from all of Mr Elliott’s colleagues, with Upper House Liberal MLC Shayne Mallard describing the move as an “OH&S issue for our staff” in a since deleted response on Facebook.
“One of mine tested positive yesterday and is now in isolation,” he said.
“It prevented the disease spreading to work colleagues and constituents we were meeting.
“It is a moderate responsible employer response.”
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