Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, the Australian Government has introduced measures that will prohibit price gouging and impose restrictions on the improper export of rapid antigen tests.  

These new measures, which were put into place last Saturday and will remain in place until 17 February 2022, are consistent with other implemented measures for masks and other personal protective equipment in March 2020. 

The measures have been actioned on the advice of the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly and following consultation with State and Territory Governments through the National Cabinet. 

Thanks to the newly implemented restrictions, people who have purchased rapid antigen tests at retail settings are now prevented from on-sell them at extortionate prices. These extortionate prices on the tests have been assessed to usually be around 120 per cent more than the price for which they were purchased. 

Aside from this, a person must also not export a COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit from Australia unless a valid exception applies. 

Those who are found to be engaged in price gouging or unlawfully exporting RAT kits will be required to surrender those kits to law enforcement agencies or Customs officials for destruction or redistribution to the National Medical Stockpile as appropriate. 

Penalties for failing to comply with the new requirements include up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $66,600, or both. 

Along with the measures outlined above, the Australian Government is working with the pharmacy sector and major retailers to prevent hoarding and bolster the supply of rapid antigen test kits by limiting the number of tests people can buy at any one time. 

PCR and rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 remains free for people who are suspected to have COVID-19 or who are close contacts, through Government-run testing clinics. 

To support the high number of tests currently being undertaken, the Australian Government has secured more than 70 million rapid antigen tests. Together with these new measures, in addition to private market supply, this will ensure a steady supply of rapid antigen test kits for Australians. 

Source: Department of Health Media Release

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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