THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is investigating claims that government entities have pressured suppliers to give them priority access to COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs).
In its latest update on RAT pricing, the consumer watchdog noted it was looking into "representations by the number of supplies" suggesting stock was requistioned by the government agencies, noting the Federal Government has denied such allegations.
ACCC Chair, Rod Sims, said the Commission would seek "to address any mispresentations identified" during the investigation.
The ACCC reported that a supplier has publicly retracted on such claim.
"The ACCC takes this opportunity to remind suppliers about the importance of honouring any contractual arrangements for suppliers, and of being honest about the reason why RATs may currently be unavailable," Sims said.
"Suppliers must be able to substantiate any claims they make about test availability, and we are asking them to do so."
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