Kiama MP Gareth Ward has blasted the decision to stockpile free self-test kits for politicians as Shoalhaven residents and essential workers continue the RAT race.
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MPs and parliamentary staff will be given 20 free rapid antigen tests each, which will be sent to electorate offices across NSW.
Members and staff will be able to get one kit each week, announced on Monday.
The kits are in short supply across the Shoalhaven with many local pharmacies out of stock and uncertain when their next orders will come in.
Mr Ward said politicians are some of the most privileged during the pandemic and that free RATs should be provided to essential workers to keep services running.
"Members of Parliament are among some of the most fortunate at this time. We have a job and a wage," he said.
"I want these vital tests going to those that are keeping these vital services running at this really difficult time.
"From what I can gather, most Members of Parliament are currently on holiday. How can we be gifting these tests to MPs when so many don't seem to even be at work!"
These tests are scarce as hen's teeth.
- Kiama MP Gareth Ward
Mr Ward donated his RATs to Shoalhaven social services and urged his colleagues to follow suit.
"I will be donating half of our RATs to Flagstaff which supports local people with disabilities and the other half to Salt Ministries for their work with the homeless," he said.
"I call on my other Parliamentary colleagues to also donate their RATs to social services sector groups that need these tests so they can continue to provide important support to the most vulnerable."
A staff member from Ramsay Pharmacy Shoalhaven in the Stockland shopping centre confirmed the store had no self-test kits in stock and are unsure when their order would arrive.
They added it is frustrating not being able to provide them for community members who need them.
Good Price Pharmacy in South Nowra pharmacy reported they had RATs in stock on Wednesday morning, but they flew out the doors within two hours.
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