Unless the state and federal governments make rapid antigen tests (RAT) freely and widely available, Queensland businesses could pay around $45 million a week to provide them to staff as a “first line of defence” against COVID-19, according to the state’s industry peak body. In the month since Queensland opened its borders, the Omicron strain of the novel coronavirus has seen widespread staff shortages, supply chain disruptions, and impact on the ability of many businesses to maintain operating hours and services. Around 50 percent of businesses in the state said they experienced major or critical staff shortages in the transport, postage and storage, accommodation and hospitality, construction, administration and support services, and arts and recreation industries. While 40 percent of construction, electricity, gas, water and waste services, wholesale trade, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade said, they had major or critical supply chain disruptions. In the same period, around 85 percent of businesses …