Pre-travel COVID tests to be free after Commonwealth and states reach agreement

The Commonwealth has agreed to cover the cost 50-50 with states and territories, after several premiers raised concerns at the potential for travellers to be slugged $150 for the tests.

Providing a negative test within 72 hours before travelling to Tasmania is a requirement when borders fully reopen from December 15, for at least the first four weeks before the measure is reviewed in January.

Similar measures are in place in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

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Health Minister Jeremy Rockliff said it would remove a main barrier for people to travel.

"People coming to Tasmania from any other state or territory will be able to get a PCR test at a state-run clinic and they will not be required to pay for the PCR test," he said.

"This represents a very good outcome for the state's tourism industry, removing any potential barriers to travel and for those wanting to come home to visit families and loved ones."

Labor questioned the minister on whether the testing requirement would result in delays within Tasmania for those looking to head interstate, or return to their home states after visiting, but he did not respond.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive officer Luke Martin said the free testing was an "excellent outcome".

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"No excuse now for visitors to come, and to do the right thing," he said.

Launceston Airport chief executive officer Shane O'Hare this week said pre-departure testing was unnecessary given high levels of vaccination in the community.

"We would encourage the government to drop any form of pre-departure testing, given the extra impost it places on would-be travellers," he said.

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