Freight drivers are breathing a collective sigh of relief following the approval of antigen COVID tests in Australia, but some industry bodies have questioned the costs for transporting companies.
Australians will be able to test themselves for COVID-19 at home from November 1, following approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on Tuesday.
Antigen tests can provide a result in 20 minutes, but home tests can only be used under direct supervision from a qualified health professional under the new legislation.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says 33 out of 70 applications for rapid tests have been approved for use, which will supplement public health testing.
For the freight and transport industry the news is more than welcome.
Australian Livestock Transport Association President Scott McDonald said confusion and frustration had plagued drivers travelling interstate.
"Truck drivers at the Queensland border, for example — we would have to get tested at the border and then every three days," he said.
"They were taking up to five days for the results to come back.
Mr McDonald says the at-home feature of antigen testing will also ease the pressure.
"If you're running through the Newell or Pacific Highway, Tamworth, Armidale, Gunnedah testing clinics, they can't be open 24 hours," he said.
"That's a bit annoying.
Cost still unclear
Road Freight New South Wales chief executive Simon O'Hara is urging state and territory governments to subsidise the at-home kits.
"We definitely need rapid testing," he said.
NSW Shadow Health Minister Ryan Park said the federal government should look at making rapid antigen tests free for all Australians, similar to the system in place in the United Kingdom.
"We need a system were we have a number of lines of defence against another outbreak, particularly those people who need to move around, because they are essential workers in our economy," he said.
NSW Health has been contacted for comment.
