Queenslanders chased by debt collectors to pay for Covid tests they believed were free

Brisbane father says there was no mention of cost by staff at drive-through site but he received a $360 bill for three tests

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

People are being contacted by debt collection agencies to pay for Covid-19 tests that they believed were fully subsidised by the government, with one family asked to pay $360 for three tests.

Jason Barnes and his two children had PCR tests at a drive-through site run by 4Cyte Pathology in Brisbane on 27 April 2022. Barnes said there was no mention of any cost by staff, and he does not recall seeing any sign indicating charges.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup