Liberals slam unions’ strike threat on RATs

Senior Morrison government figures have accused the union movement of ‘fearmongering’ after the ACTU threatened strike action over access to rapid antigen tests.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar in Melbourne on Tuesday. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Senior figures in the Morrison government have accused the union movement of “fearmongering” after the ACTU threatened strike action over access to rapid antigen tests.

The government’s counter-­attack, led by Josh Frydenberg, came as Australia’s peak medical advisory body looks into dropping the isolation period for Covid-positive people from seven days to five days amid signs the Omicron wave could be peaking.

The Treasurer condemned ­unions for threatening strikes on Thursday over access to RATs, and he disputed claims that the government had taken a “let it rip” approach to Covid-19.

He warned industrial action at this time in the pandemic would “punish Australian families”.

“We’ve seen today the unions intimidate and threaten strikes and tell falsehoods and lies about letting it rip and the virus being ­allowed to let rip,” he said. “That is absolutely false and is fearmon­gering. Drastic action and intimidation and threats have no place in the middle of a pandemic.”

Industrial Relations Minister Michaelia Cash said it was a “shameless attempt by union leaders to pretend they have not had the chance to work with the government – (it’s) a charade”.

“After months of lockdowns across Australia, it is disappointing that union leaders are now complaining about Australian workers going back to work,” Senator Cash said. “It seems they would rather that they stay at home indefinitely.”

The federal government provides free RATs to symptomatic people and close contacts through state-run clinics.

About 6.6 million welfare recipients and concession card holders are also entitled to up to 10 of the rapid tests through pharmacies under a shared funding agreement between the federal and state governments.

Anthony Albanese said businesses should not have to shoulder the burden of providing RATs for their employees, attacking the Morrison government for failing to secure adequate supply.

A survey conducted by Professional Pharmacists Australia of more than 400 members found 94 per cent were having problems sourcing the kits while 75 per cent said having to provide rapid tests was having a “significant” or “extreme” impact on their workload.

Industry groups responded angrily to the union strike calls on Tuesday, with Independent Food Distributors chief executive Richard Forbes saying industrial action would sound the “death knell” for small business and the hospitality sector.

“Small businesses, particularly those involved in hospitality, food distribution and food suppliers simply cannot afford to pay for RAT kits and updated protective masks,” Mr Forbes said.

“The food supply chain has been significantly impacted over the past two years so I’m not sure where the unions think the money is coming from to purchase them.”

Health Minister Greg Hunt warned the provision of free rapid tests across all sectors would “destroy” the supply chain.

It came as Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee was looking into dropping isolation requirements for Covid-positive people from seven to five days.

“It is a decision of balance. A decision about workforces and a trade-off with increased transmission in the community. So, we will look at that,” Professor Kelly said.

“We’re still meeting several days a week at the AHPPC and (we are) providing that information to national cabinet.”