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AAP

Health

Andrew Brown and Jack Gramenz

Treasurer defends end of free RAT scheme

Jim Chalmers Covid-19 Sydney NSW Health Pandemic

Jim Chalmers says the government can't afford to extend pandemic leave payments and free RATs. (AAP)

The federal treasurer has defended scrapping pandemic leave payments and free rapid antigen tests for concession card holders despite rising COVID-19 case numbers.

As a cruise ship with more than 100 positive COVID-19 cases on board docked in Sydney on Wednesday, Jim Chalmers said the government could not afford to continue the schemes due to budget pressures.

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