Emergency Management Minister Bridget McKenzie says RAT results will be accepted alongside those recorded by regular PCR lab tests from Monday to ensure the payment is available for all who need it.
Under the scheme, she says, from January 18 people who have lost at least a day of work due to being COVID positive, caring for someone who is or who meet the definition of a close contact may be eligible for up to $750.
The announcement comes as virus numbers skyrocket across the country and states move to record positive RAT results as part of daily case numbers, alongside PCR results.
Twenty-five people died across Australia from COVID-19 in the latest reporting period, while those newly diagnosed with the virus included former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.
“Like hundreds of thousands of other Australians I have tested positive for COVID. Symptoms moderate so far. Isolating as required,” he wrote on Twitter.
Mr Turnbull’s announcement follows federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s positive diagnosis on Friday.
Speaking in Mossman, in far north Queensland, on Saturday, Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said he had spoken to Mr Frydenberg and wished him a “swift recovery”.
Mr Albanese said it was clear Australia was seeing a “massive increase” in the number of people testing positive.
“There is a significant increase in the number of people who are in hospital, a significant increase in the number of people who are in ICU and this is of real concern,” Mr Albanese said.
“The fact is that at the same time, we’re still seeing people not being able to get their booster shots who are eligible.
“We’re seeing supermarkets that are empty of food and that are really demanding supplies because of the impact on the workforce that is occurring.”
The comments follow concerns of RAT shortages and retail mark-ups of more than 20 per cent over the supply price as demand for the home-testing kits surges.
As of Saturday, RAT kits have been listed on Australia’s biosecurity determination, making price gouging on the essential items illegal.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the government was taking “the strongest possible actions” to prevent unscrupulous selling.