Dametto calls for State to match Feds funding: COVID breath tests

14th February 2022

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto is calling for the State to match a Federal Government grant to support an Australian-based company with the development of their COVID-19 breath test.

A Sunshine Coast company has developed a device that can deliver results in under a minute with approximately 98 per cent accuracy.

The device will undergo clinical trials this month, with the company aiming to have the tests commercially available mid-year.[1]

Mr Dametto said that the ‘game-changing’ Queensland product required backing to improve the current process of COVID-19 tests.

“All levels of government have created an absolute mess by failing to be proactive with the Rapid Antigen Tests,” he said.

“The KAP is on record from June last year calling for funding and fast-tracking of approvals for RATs and it was only in December, when it was far too late, that the government demonstrated any urgency,” said Mr Dametto.

Last week the company secured a $647,655 federal grant to assist with regulatory applications and approvals.

The KAP Deputy Leader said that the state needs to step up and match the funding to move forward with an efficient way to test Queenslanders.

“For Queensland to move forward we need a simpler process, waiting 36-48 hours or more to receive test results is not practical as it’s adding to the state’s worker shortage issues,” Mr Dametto said.

“COVID breath tests are a safer process for Queensland Health workers, and it allows for quicker results meaning that when an individual tests negative, they can return to work sooner.

“This product will assist industries such as mines, health, and education that are dealing with issues associated with the shortage supply of RATs.

“This type of technology is a no-brainer, it’s a device that is suitable for all ages and minimises the anxiety that can be associated with PCR tests.

“Also, it will reduce single-use plastics and waste which aligns with the Queensland Government’s waste reduction initiatives.”

The KAP is urging the State Government to support the Queensland-based company and expedite the process to assist the company in reaching full commercialisation.

—ENDS—                  

[1] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-06/covid-breath-tests-made-in-australia/100807090?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web