National Cabinet met on Saturday to discuss Australia’s continued response to COVID-19 and agreements were reached to extend a number of important initiatives. Susan Close MP, Acting Premier, put out the following statement, recapping the outcomes.
“As National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions for the health and economic consequences of COVID-19, leaders reiterated the importance of Australians over 30, especially those in vulnerable groups, to get their fourth COVID-19 vaccination.
“As we continue to adjust to living with COVID-19, South Australia has agreed to partner 50:50 with the Albanese Government to extend Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment until 30 September 2022.
“This will ensure that those South Australians we are asking to isolate do not suffer a financial penalty for doing the right thing.
“Additionally, it was agreed:
- Temporary longer telehealth consultations to prescribe antivirals. (GPs find it difficult to conduct a proper COVID antivirals consultation in under 20 minutes.)
- Examine extending ADF support to the aged-care sector which is due to end on 12 August 2022
“In addition to the above, the State Government will step in from 1 August 2022 and provide free access to RATs up until 30 September 2022 to the following concession card holders:
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Health Care Card
- Low Income Health Care Card
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange card.
“These concession card holders will be entitled to collect up to 10 free RATs over a 3-month period with a maximum of 5 in a month at over 50 collection points currently distributing free RATs to close contacts.
Acting Premier Susan Close says the “National Cabinet meeting was a positive and collaborative discussion and I am pleased we have been able to reach agreement that will see several initiatives continue through this latest wave of COVID infections.
“Extending the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment to 30 September 2022 will ensure working people without paid leave are not financially disadvantaged for doing the right thing.
“Extending access to free RATS to eligible concession card holders will complement our roll out of free RATs to close contacts.”
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