According to various telcos, they can meet requirements as part of their respective CovidSafe plans despite the shortage of at-home rapid antigen tests.

For Telstra, the company said it has well-established procedures for reporting and managing Covid issues. “There are some challenges securing rapid antigen tests but Telstra has purchased some tests which will be used for our people who work in critical areas of the business such as at our global operations centre and in our E000 call centres,” said a spokesperson. 

“Our people who work in critical areas of the business take a rapid antigen test daily before attending work.” The spokesperson of Telstra further added that “While most of our people are still on leave, we’ve directed those who are working over the break to work from home where possible.” 

“We also have a vaccination policy in place for frontline teams to minimise the impact of illness to our people and the customers and communities they serve.”

According to NBN Co chief people and culture officer Sally Kincaid: “Our plan is to gradually recommence hybrid working from Tuesday 15 February 2022, which includes employee choice as its cornerstone, and we will follow all Federal, State and Territory health guidelines, as always.”

She further added that “From 15 February, we will also implement our NBN COVID-19 vaccination policy. We recognise that being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 is essential in the pathway out of the pandemic and the basis of how the Australian states and territories are easing restrictions.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Optus said that “In line with federal and state government guidelines, Optus is reviewing its safe return to work plans to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff, including the possible use of government-approved rapid antigen tests and reinstating work from home measures for our people in non-site specific based roles until at least the end of January 2022.”

For TPG Telecom, the company said it doesn't have any immediate plans to introduce mandatory testing for office attendance given its hybrid working model. This is in addition to the limited availability of rapid antigen tests in the country.

According to a spokesperson for TPG Telecom, “As the situation evolves, we’ll continue to review our approach.”

“Like all retailers, we expect increased challenges as Covid cases increase in the community; however, we will be focusing on minimising the impact to customers in cases where stores are closed temporarily...For employees based in our offices and Hobart contact centre, they have full flexibility to work in a way that best suits their role, circumstances, and health.”

The spokesperson further added: “With many people returning from leave this week, we’ll be encouraging everyone to carefully consider their need to be in the office. For those who do attend the office, there will be updated advice around minimising contact with others and full vaccination continues to be a requirement unless an exemption is in place.”