There are calls for an independent investigation into claims rapid antigen tests (RAT) bound for South Australia never made it past the border because other jurisdictions kept them for themselves.
Premier Steven Marshall said residents “have every right to be outraged” if the allegations were correct and said he would ask the ACCC to investigate further.
After being made aware of the allegations, he said he spoke with his counterparts in NSW and Victoria who denied the claims.
first reported that millions of dollars worth of RAT kits purchased by SA pharmacists and retailers due to arrive into the state were instead procured by interstate governments at Sydney and Melbourne airports to be used for their own staff.
“Any interference in the supply of RATs for SA is completely and utterly unacceptable,” Mr Marshall told FIVEaa Breakfast.
“We contacted government interstate, they certainly don’t accept that they have jumped the queue but we think there needs to be an independent investigation.
“I’ll be writing to the ACCC this morning, this is the right body if there has been an interference in a market and to see if it was even legal.
“We know there is a global shortage. Companies in South Australia have secured their supply … and we need those to come in.
“It’s not just about business. It’s also about those who want to visit families in aged care or other vulnerable settings … we have to do everything we can to make sure we have access here in SA.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison slammed the “absurd” allegations that the Commonwealth redirected or impounded private supplies of the tests.
“None of this is true. I have no idea where that is coming from,” he said.
Foodland chief executive Franklin dos Santos said his supermarkets had put in “substantial” purchase orders for RAT kits but their suppliers weren’t fulfilling them.
“As retailers, this is an industry issue and as a direct result we’re getting intermittent supply,” he said.
“It has a flow on effect with the shoppers and staff so we’re asking shoppers to please be patient until we can get actually get a consistent supply of stock in our stores.”
Drakes Supermarkets marketing manager Michael Connolly said daily purchase ordxjmtzywers of stock weren't being supplied because the stock suddenly becomes unavailable.
“In short, supply has been difficult at best… We are having to pay premiums to get what little stock we receive,” he said.
“We have heard the unsubstantiated rumours in relation to the Government taking stock, (but) we are unable to confirm this outside of the difficulty in supply.”
