The Government is providing $3.2 billion for the urgent purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other essential supplies. Funding was also provided for dedicated respiratory clinics, medical research and public awareness campaigns.

Australia’s COVID-19 testing capacity has been boosted, including Medicare‑funded pathology tests. The Government will also cover half of costs incurred by the states and territories in diagnosing and treating patients with COVID-19 via a $3.7 billion National Partnership Agreement.