NSW Liberal Party steps up after Anthony Albanese shamed for cancelling free RATs

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing considerable backlash after reversing a big Covid decision as cases rise across the country.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has stepped in to offer free rapid antigen tests for vulnerable concession card holders cut off by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

In an embarrassing development for the Albanese Government, the Liberal NSW Government has even adopted Mr Albanese’s slogan of ensuring “no one is left behind” to sell a new policy of extending the scheme until October.

The Albanese Government has confirmed a federal scheme offering concession card holders access to free RATs will be axed at the end of the month.

Mr Albanese has called an unscheduled meeting of the national cabinet on Friday amid calls from the states to extend the free tests and the $750-a-week pandemic payments for casuals who are forced to isolate without sick leave.

Mr Perrottet revealed on Friday that the NSW Government would step in to ensure vulnerable communities have the support they need through winter.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced free RATs for vulnerable communities. Picture: Gaye Gerard/NCA Newswire

“We are making sure those people who need it most get the help they need to help keep themselves and the community safe through winter by stepping in and providing free rapid antigen tests,” Mr Perrottet said.

NSW Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the expanded program would allow eligible Commonwealth Concession Card holders in NSW to access 10 RATs over three months up until October 31, 2022.

“The NSW Government has already been distributing free rapid antigen tests to vulnerable communities, and we have the capacity to extend this to those still needing them through the Federal Government’s program,” Mr Coure said.

“There is no need to rush or panic about whether or not you will be able to access tests – we have enough tests to support you.”

The tests will be distributed through 210 neighbourhood and community centres located across the state to eligible recipients and more information is available by visiting www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/rapid-tests.

The Albanese Government is facing calls from unions, state Premiers and NSW Labor leader Chris Minns and backbencher and paediatrician Mike Freelander, to extend Covid-19 support.

Mr Albanese is facing backlash over the decision to axe free RATs and pandemic payments. Picture: Gaye Gerard/NCA NewsWire

Deputy Opposition leader Sussan Ley told Channel 7’s Sunrise program that Mr Albanese needed to review the decision to axe the free RATs and the $750 pandemic payment in light of the winter surge in cases.

“Anthony Albanese said he would take responsibility and he would leave no one behind. He’s failed both those tests this morning,’’ she told Sunrise.

Labor frontbencher Jason Clare confirmed it was the budget rather than health advice that was driving the decision.

“Well, there are a trillion reasons why we have to do it. We are inheriting a trillion dollars of debt,’’ he told Sunrise.

“It’s a tough decision to have to make, but we can’t keep spending forever. We’re getting the National Cabinet together on Monday.

“We’ll talk to state premiers about this on Monday.”

Health Minister Mark Butler has admitted that the decision to axe the $750 pandemic payment for casual workers to isolate when they don’t have sick leave was not based on health advice.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells claimed on Thursday that current medical advice indicates funding should be funnelled into vaccinations and antiviral treatments.

“It is best to put the money where the money is best targeted,” Ms Wells said. “The CMO says the best use of money is on vaccinations and antiviral treatments in aged care.”

But just hours later, when Health Minister Mark Butler was asked directly if he had received any advice from the chief medical officer on the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, he replied, “No.”

“This is a decision put in place by the former government,’’ Mr Butler said.

Mr Butler said “at some point we need to recognise that it is not the financial capacity to continue emergency payments forever.”

Mr Minns has called on the Prime Minister to reconsider the payment and support casuals who may be tempted to lie about their virus status rather than isolate for seven days.

“The $750 isolation payment should be reinstated,’’ the state Opposition Leader said. “For our health and economy.

“We need to make sure that people can meet their financial obligations, if someone’s going to be at home for seven days without any financial recourse or any income coming in to meet those obligations.”