Opened the debate
Butler moved that the bill be read a second time, arguing it fulfilled a commitment to provide cheaper medicines for all Australians. Butler described the legislation as the fifth wave of reforms aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs, specifically lowering the maximum general patient co-payment from $31.60 to $25. Butler highlighted that this change would save over 5.1 million Australians money, with annual savings exceeding $200 million. Butler noted that the new co-payment level had not been seen since 2004 and would be indexed from 2027 to ensure long-term affordability. Butler emphasised that the measure supported the sustainability of the PBS while providing immediate cost-of-living relief.