Qualitative data confirmed a high level of concern regarding the paucity of PPE. This was largely attributed to lack of stock availability related to the worldwide shortage. “All stock on back order. Can’t get anything” , “Local suppliers have run out and orders placed are taking longer to process” . However, some responses spoke of management rationing PPE for nurses; “Office manager refused to allow me to order decent supply at start of pandemic”; “PHN only giving limited stock of masks”; The masks available have been kept aside by the practice manager who allocates them. No surgical masks or P2 have been allocated to nurses”. Several respondents commented on hospitals being prioritised with PPE supply: “We are told hospitals need them more than us”, with suppliers “reserving stock for those who actually have COVID19”, or to their own organisations informing them that they do not need PPE since there is“minimal face-to-face assessment, if the person is COVID19 positive or suspected, face-to-face assessment cannot occur” .