Both do cost money, the taxpayer foots the bill for one and the private consumer the other. These things aren't free and they do cost, which I know as we do our own PCR testing. The machines to analyse the samples aren't cheap (you're talking up to $50k), then there is staffing costs, office costs, logistics costs etc.
That may well be the case, however heaps of the state run free testing sites run 7 days a week even on public holidays ( i know people who were tested on xmas day last year and had results in 13 hours), whereas the private lab do not generally operate on Public holidays.
So for those of us meant to fly at say 9am on the 27th Dec, we have to get tested no later than 12:30pm on 24th December (that is 72 hours before arrival at CNS), would actually need to be later in case the flight is delayed.
There is pretty much zero chance of private lab open late on Xmas eve and guaranteeing "paper results" on xmas day or boxing day, since no mail running on those days.
Whereas if we can use the normal test clinics we can get tested and will have sms result usually within 12 hours or do a RAT at the airport.
If Queensland dont change this ridiculous private lab "paper test" requirement by the end of Nov have no choice but to cancel.
There is no reason why Qld shouldn't be able to accept and trust the test results from the state run test site in other states. This is just a way to deter people form travelling and the damage will be to Qld tourism as it is all too hard.
Its not about the money it is about the practicality of getting tested over the holiday period when you take the open testing sites off the table.
But given I pay my taxes and medicare levy, I shouldn't have to pay again for a test for domestic travel when borders should be wide open already. Plenty of hypochondriacs have had multiple tests, I've not ever been a close or casual contact and have had no symptoms since the pandemic began so have had zero need for a test to date, I should get this one for free.
