National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 30 July 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the introduction of legislation to reduce the maximum co-payment for general patients on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The sole speaker, Mark Butler, outlined the bill as part of a broader strategy to lower medicine costs and strengthen Medicare. He detailed previous government measures and projected future savings from the proposed reduction. The debate concluded with the motion being adjourned.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 26 August 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025, which lowers the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme standard patient fee to $25 from $31.60 starting 1 January 2026 and caps concession card holder charges at $7.70 until 2030. Government members claimed the policy delivers vital cost-of-living assistance and stops unnecessary hospital visits, whereas opposition and independent members backed the price reduction but faulted slow medicine listings and wider economic handling. Despite failing to pass an amendment on pharmaceutical tariffs, the discussion ended with members praising the bill and observing it matched earlier coalition pledges.

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3. Wednesday 27 August 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Members debated the National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025, which lowers the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme general patient co-payment to $25 from $31.60 starting 1 January 2026. Labor members backed the bill as a cost-of-living measure that builds on previous reforms, including freezing concession card holder costs at $7.70 until 2030. The Coalition member supported the legislation but criticised the government for delays in listing new medicines and economic management. The debate concluded with the adjournment of discussion.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned.

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4. Thursday 28 August 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on the National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025, which aimed to reduce the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment for general patients to $25. Mark Butler, representing the Australian Labor Party, argued that the measure provided essential cost-of-living relief and ensured affordable access to medicines. He highlighted anecdotes of patients struggling with medication costs to justify the policy. The bill was ultimately defeated in a division, with 43 votes in favour and 90 against.

   Outcome: The bill was not passed, with a division result of 43 votes in favour and 90 against.

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5. Thursday 28 August 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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6. Thursday 28 August 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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7. Thursday 28 August 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025, which aims to reduce the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment for general patients. The Minister for Health introduced the legislation, highlighting it as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Medicare and lower living costs. The bill proposes reducing the maximum cost of a general prescription from $31.60 to $25.00, effective from 1 January 2026. The debate concluded with the motion being adjourned.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned.

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8. Monday 1 September 2025 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate debated the National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025 at the committee stage. Senators from Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party questioned the Minister regarding rising PBS costs, eligibility criteria for non-citizens, and the influence of foreign pharmaceutical interests. An amendment was moved to reduce the general patient co-payment from $25 to $20, which was supported by the Greens but opposed by the Government. The bill was ultimately agreed to without amendment.

   Outcome: The bill was agreed to without amendment and reported to the Senate.

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9. Monday 1 September 2025 · Senate

   Third Reading
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