Pharmacists are calling for a uniform government approach across all states and territories to help address shortages of rapid antigen tests. 

Stores are struggling to keep up with demand as people rush to get their hands on at-home testing for peace of mind before work or social events.

Meantime, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this morning announced mandatory PCR tests for interstate arrivals into Queensland would be dropped in favour of rapid antigen tests.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia President Trent Twomey told John Stanley a nationwide approach would give suppliers more clarity.

“What we’ve got is all of the different state and territory premiers having different rules at different times, requiring different tests by different people,” he said.

“It makes it impossible for the market to be able to predict demand in every state and territory.

“The simplest thing that the premiers and chief ministers can do … is, for goodness’ sake, come back off leave and agree to a nationally consistent approach of: what is a close contact; what is a casual contact; who needs to be tested; what test you’ll accept; and when we need to do it.”

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