Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Medicines Shortages and Other Measures) Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

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

1. Thursday 2 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the introduction of the Therapeutic Goods Amendment (Medicines Shortages and Other Measures) Bill 2026 in the House of Representatives. Assistant Minister Rebecca White moved the motion for the second reading, outlining measures to strengthen mandatory reporting of medicine shortages and reduce regulatory burdens for biological products. The minister highlighted that the bill would require earlier notification of permanent discontinuations and allow the secretary to request availability data for all approved medicines. The debate was adjourned without a final vote recorded in the provided transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 11 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Tuesday 11 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Bill Debate

   Members debated reforms to improve Australia's response to medicine shortages, focusing on mandatory reporting requirements and regulatory efficiency. Labor members supported the bills for strengthening early warning systems, while National and Independent members acknowledged improvements but criticized the lack of a comprehensive medicine security strategy. Monique Ryan moved amendments calling for a national medicines security review, and Holzberger highlighted recent shortages of Ozempic and Estradot to illustrate supply chain impacts. The debate concluded with the adjournment of the Federation Chamber.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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4. Tuesday 11 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on legislation aimed at improving early warning systems for medicine shortages and streamlining the registration of biologic medicines. The Shadow Minister for Women supported the bill's technical improvements but argued it failed to address the root causes of supply chain vulnerabilities. An amendment was moved to call for a comprehensive national strategy to boost local manufacturing and reduce shortages. The Coalition indicated it would not oppose the bill in the House of Representatives, noting it had been referred to a Senate committee for further inquiry.

   Outcome: The bill was referred to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry.

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5. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate focused on strengthening Australia's response to medicine shortages and reducing regulatory burdens for pharmaceutical companies. The bill requires earlier notification of permanent medicine discontinuations and expands the department's power to request availability data for all approved medicines. It also simplifies registration processes for similar biological products to lower costs for industry. Both speakers supported the legislation as part of a broader government agenda to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability. The bill was commended to the House with no opposition recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The bill was commended to the House.

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6. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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7. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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8. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated two bills aimed at improving the management of medicines shortages and reducing regulatory burdens for the therapeutic goods industry. The government proposed strengthening mandatory reporting requirements for medicine discontinuations and allowing grouped entries for similar biological products in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. The debate focused on enhancing supply chain transparency and streamlining administrative processes for sponsors. No opposition speakers were recorded in this segment of the transcript. The further consideration of the second reading was adjourned to a later date.

   Outcome: The debate on the second reading of these bills was adjourned to 1 September 2026.

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