Kealy: Schools short on tests

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy believes schools across western Victoria have not received sufficient numbers of rapid antigen tests.

Ms Kealy said a ‘number’ of schools across Lowan electorate were yet to receive enough supplies for students and staff, in line with government recommendations for students and staff to test for COVID-19 twice a week.

“I am aware of one school that has only received enough test kits for two thirds of its cohort, meaning hundreds of students have not had the opportunity to access a test,” she said.

Ms Kealy said teachers had also raised concerns tests were not delivered before they returned to work.

Ms Kealy blamed the State Government for not securing rapid tests in the middle of 2021 and criticised the government’s announcement of rapid antigen test manufacturing in Victoria.

“We’ve seen the government spruik its support for RATS to be manufactured in Victoria, promising one million tests a month from April. But this is too little, too late,” she said.

“Victorians have been battling to get access to rapid tests for months, but the government shunned the need for them when they had the opportunity to procure supplies last year.

“We should have had a secure supply chain in place months ago, but instead the government is playing catch-up and leaving Victorians to once again pay the price for their mistakes.”