The ACCC has set up a consumer watchdog to observe rapid antigen test (RAT) price gouging, however, they are yet to identify any widespread abuse.
The consumer watchdog, set up by the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) by request of the federal government, is investigating widespread allegations that COVID-19 RAT’s are being sold at excessive prices.
It seems like the prices are returning to normal as the investigation commences… how convenient.
ACCC chair Rod Sims has said the watchdog is in the process of investigating, however, at this early stage they’ve found no evidence of widespread price gouging.
In a preliminary statement, Sims has said, “It’s very early at this stage, we’ve done our own web searches and seen excessive pricing, but the most excessive pricing we’ve seen so far is [individuals] on eBay, Kogan.”
He further notes that these allegations are “extremely anecdotal, so we want to get a hold of the facts here.”
Basically, yes these products are being sold for an insane price but not by proper stockists. Although there have been reports of Chemist Warehouse selling the tests for $25, when they were previously sold between $10-$15.
Sims has said that platforms such as eBay and Kogan will be contacted regarding instances of RAT price gouging, expecting that they will help remove the listings.
The ACCC has noted that it is unlikely to pursue court action against first instance price gouging, however, that businesses selling multi-RAT kits at marked-up prices are of extreme interest to the watchdog. Sims has said that during a pandemic, such as the one we’re currently experiencing, this is “unconscionable” and “appalling” behaviour.
RAT test rip-off, @bp_Australia. This #Edgecliff BP selling single rapid antigen tests for an outrageous $30 a pop. They’re as little as $1 – $2 in Europe, but for a family of four in Oz, you’ll pay $120. #auspol @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/SwVWzl8mAG
— Airlie Walsh (@AirlieWalsh) January 3, 2022
Since Australia’s recent COVID-19 case explosion, RAT’s have become a hot commodity that, like masks and toilet paper, are being stockpiled.
To leave isolation in NSW a negative RAT, as opposed to the previously expected PCR, is required on day 6. In combination with the convenience of at-home testing, this has sent RAT demand through the roof.
Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) acting secretary, Liam O’Brien, has said that, “Rapid antigen tests must be free and accessible for all Australians who need them, just like they are in the UK and the USA.”
Statement from ACCC on rapid antigen tests: “ACCC is aware of the significant public concern about the pricing of rapid antigen tests…The ACCC will be examining claims that the current pricing levels of RAT are due to challenges in obtaining supply…” https://t.co/Ge86dzzm98
— Justin Stevens (@_JustinStevens_) January 4, 2022
People are desperate to get on with their lives, and an inability for many – on account of price or inaccessibility – to procure a RAT represents a massive obstacle.
Scomo has attracted heavy criticism over stock shortages and price gouging which contributes to severely inequitable access. It seems once again, in his failure to procure sufficient RAT supplies and make them accessible to all Australians, the prime minister has demonstrated his inability to lead through the pandemic.
