Rapid Covid tests to be tax deductible but Frydenberg says pandemic supports must end

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says Australia’s economy can’t become ‘conditioned to the level of unprecedented support that has been required over the last two years’. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Rapid Covid tests will be made tax deductible for workers and businesses, but the treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, says other economic support measures must wind up as the economy returns to normal.

In a major economic speech to the Australian Industry Group on Monday, the treasurer will also announce that he has tasked the Productivity Commission with undertaking another five-yearly review into reforms to enhance productivity.