Taxpayers slugged $4 million to dispose of expired COVID-19 RATs
Western Australian taxpayers have been slugged an extra $4 million to dispose of expired rapid antigen tests.
The blowout, defended by the state government, was revealed in WA's mid-year budget review.
More than 11 million tests will be disposed of, with more than 9 million already returned to their manufacturer.
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The stockpiles are so large the government has leased an extra eight warehouses just for storage. 9News
The state's pandemic RAT problem was described as "baffling" by the auditor general in her May report.
Caroline Spencer found the government aimed to spend $3 million RATs but the departments of health and finance lacked a plan and coordination.
They wound up spending more than half a billion dollars, buying enough for 40 tests per resident, far more than any other state.
The stockpiles are so large the government has leased an extra eight warehouses just for storage.
"4 million to get rid of the expired tests is a disgrace but the real question is will taxpayers be footing more," Opposition Leader Libby Mettam said.
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Opposition Leader Libby Mettam called the expenditure a "disgrace". 9News
The government stands by its spending, calling its RAT program a success.
The $4 million will go towards disposing the left overs in a sustainable way.
Taxpayers were also slugged nearly $200,000 this year to pay Cleanaway to dispose of leftover hand sanitiser.
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