National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025; Second Reading

Lim supported the bill, noting it delivers on election commitments and provides significant cost-of-living relief. Lim highlighted that the co-payment reduction to $25 marks the first time medicines have been this affordable since 2004. Lim shared constituent stories illustrating the financial burden of healthcare and praised the government's broader Medicare strengthening measures. Lim emphasised that cheaper medicines help families manage multiple chronic conditions and reduce pressure on household budgets.

Coffey argued the bill addresses rising medicine costs that force difficult choices between health and household expenses. Coffey contrasted the current government's actions with the previous administration's record, claiming Labor strengthens Medicare while the Coalition weakened it. Coffey highlighted the impact on patients with cystic fibrosis and other chronic conditions, noting the expansion of PBS listings. Coffey stated the legislation ensures fairness and prevents rationing of essential treatments.

Byrnes supported the bill as part of a broader strategy to make healthcare affordable and equitable. Byrnes detailed previous savings achieved through PBS safety net reductions and the introduction of 60-day prescriptions. Byrnes also discussed the government's investment in women's health, including new contraceptive listings and pelvic pain clinics. Byrnes argued that reducing medicine costs helps prevent gender bias in healthcare and supports better health outcomes for women.

Berry defended the Labor government's historical and current commitment to the PBS, tracing its origins to the Curtin and Chifley governments. Berry outlined the bill's contribution to cost-of-living relief, noting savings of over $200 million annually. Berry highlighted additional Medicare investments, including urgent care clinics and bulk-billing incentives. Berry argued that the legislation reinforces equitable access to medicines and protects the PBS from external threats.

Abdo supported the bill, describing it as a principled objective to cap medicine costs at $25. Abdo emphasised the historical struggle to establish the PBS and the government's role in defending it. Abdo cited local pharmacist insights regarding the impact of affordability on medication adherence and health system costs. Abdo argued that cheaper medicines contribute to economic productivity by keeping Australians healthy and in the workforce.

Cook supported the bill, linking affordable medicines to improved health outcomes and reduced hospital admissions. Cook shared constituent experiences of choosing between food and prescriptions, highlighting the urgency of cost-of-living relief. Cook detailed the government's women's health package, including new contraceptive listings and endometriosis clinics. Cook argued that the legislation strengthens Medicare and provides peace of mind for families.

Moncrieff supported the bill, arguing it prevents Australians from skipping doses or delaying treatment due to cost. Moncrieff highlighted the cumulative savings from previous PBS reforms and the upcoming co-payment reduction. Moncrieff emphasised the role of pharmacists in community health and the importance of affordable medicines for chronic disease management. Moncrieff stated that the legislation reflects Australian values of fairness and mutual care.

Urquhart supported the bill, noting its significance for Tasmanians who face high rates of chronic conditions. Urquhart highlighted federal funding for public hospitals and Medicare urgent care clinics in Tasmania. Urquartz detailed the savings already achieved through PBS reforms and the additional benefits of the new co-payment cap. Urquhart argued that the legislation ensures affordable and accessible healthcare for all Australians.

Cook supported the bill, drawing on her nursing background to emphasise the health impacts of medication affordability. Cook highlighted the freeze on concession card co-payments until 2030 and the reduction in general patient costs. Cook noted the delivery of Medicare urgent care clinics in her electorate as part of broader healthcare improvements. Cook argued that the legislation delivers tangible cost-of-living relief and strengthens the PBS.

lead

Elliot supported the bill as a continuation of Labor's legacy of strengthening Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Elliot argued that reducing the co-payment to $25 would provide immediate cost-of-living relief for approximately 5.1 million Australians and prevent worsening health conditions caused by delayed treatment. Elliot highlighted previous government reforms, including the reduction of the PBS safety net threshold and the introduction of 60-day prescriptions, which had collectively saved patients $1.5 billion. Elliot also connected the bill to broader healthcare investments in her electorate, such as new urgent care and mental health clinics, and the reclassification of Murwillumbah as a regional area to improve bulk-billing access.

Khalil argued that the bill delivers on election promises to make medicines more affordable, reducing the maximum cost by 20 per cent. Khalil illustrated the importance of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme by comparing Australian medication costs with significantly higher prices in the United States. Khalil shared anecdotes from constituents who faced financial pressure due to healthcare costs and noted that the reforms had already saved over $9 million in his electorate. Khalil emphasised that the government was delivering tangible relief rather than just rhetoric.

Ambihaipahar described the bill as a lifeline for millions of Australians, addressing the impossible choices many face between medication and other essentials. Ambihaipahar cited specific savings for his electorate and highlighted the benefits of urgent care clinics and 60-day prescriptions. Ambihaipahar noted that the coalition had matched the commitment to cheaper medicines, calling it a national issue that transcends party lines. Ambihaipahar argued that affordable healthcare is a social justice issue that prevents hospitalisations and supports economic productivity.

Thistlethwaite stated that the bill delivers on a key election commitment to reduce medicine costs for all Australians, particularly pensioners and those with chronic conditions. Thistlethwaite highlighted that the reforms would not add to inflation and had already saved $11 million in his electorate. Thistlethwaite noted that the bill protects pharmacy discounting and builds on broader Medicare reforms, including increased bulk-billing incentives and new PBS listings for serious conditions. Thistlethwaite concluded his speech by noting the Minister for Housing was present for a parliamentary statement.

Soon supported the bill as part of a broader agenda to strengthen the healthcare system and deliver cost-of-living relief. Soon emphasised that the legislation maintains the co-payment freeze for concession card holders and protects pharmacy discounting. Soon highlighted the significant price differences between subsidised and unsubsidised medications for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and cancer. Soon also noted the government's investment in hospitals, urgent care clinics, and the healthcare workforce, including fee-free TAFE and paid placements for nursing students.

Witty argued that the bill provides practical relief for families facing cost-of-living pressures, saving over $200 million annually. Witty highlighted the benefits for women, who often manage chronic conditions and caregiving responsibilities, noting that 60-day prescriptions save time and money. Witty shared personal experiences with asthma to illustrate the importance of affordable medication and discussed the stress unaffordable medicines place on families. Witty welcomed the opposition's expected support and noted that the bill preserves the sustainability of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Albanese stated that the bill reflects the government's commitment to providing healthcare based on need rather than wealth. Albanese highlighted previous reforms, including the reduction of medicine costs and the expansion of urgent care clinics, which have benefited millions of Australians. Albanese shared a story about a young woman with endometriosis who could now afford her treatment due to these policies. Albanese emphasised that the government was delivering on its election promises and that the bill would make medicines the cheapest they have been since 2004.

Teesdale argued that the bill delivers fairness by ensuring every Australian can access necessary medicines regardless of their financial situation. Teesdale shared stories from her electorate about families struggling to afford medication for neurodiverse children and noted that the reforms had already saved over $9.2 million in Bass. Teesdale highlighted the economic benefits of cheaper medicines, including reduced hospitalisations and increased productivity. Teesdale also mentioned new PBS listings for Parkinson's disease and neuroblastoma, emphasising the life-saving impact of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Miller-Frost described the bill as a statement of values, affirming that healthcare is a right rather than a privilege. Miller-Frost highlighted the importance of health equity and noted that one in eight Australians had delayed filling prescriptions due to cost. Miller-Frost argued that the bill builds on previous reforms, including urgent care clinics and increased bulk-billing, and would save lives by preventing hospitalisations. Miller-Frost emphasised the long-term economic benefits of preventive healthcare and the government's commitment to reducing health inequality.

lead

Gorman argued that the bill fulfils a mandate from the 2025 election to protect Medicare and reduce medicine costs, noting that the opposition had previously voted against cheaper medicines six times. Gorman stated that the reduction to $25 represents a more than 20 per cent cut, returning prices to 2004 levels and providing significant cost-of-living relief. Gorman highlighted that previous measures had already saved Australians $770 million and that the new bill would reduce barriers to accessing PBS medicines. Gorman cited impact analysis indicating the policy would reduce delayed treatments, hospitalisations, and pressures on aged care and social welfare services. Gorman concluded by thanking advocacy groups and the public for their support of universal healthcare.

Templeman noted that the bill reduces general patient co-payments to $25, building on the 2023 cut from $42.50 to $31.60. Templeman highlighted that a freeze at $7.70 until 2030 would continue to benefit pensioners and concession card holders. Templeman discussed the introduction of 60-day prescriptions for stable conditions and investments in pharmacy services, including expanded immunisation programs. Templeman also referenced the government's delivery of 90 Medicare urgent care clinics and increases to Medicare rebates, which have improved bulk-billing rates. Templeman emphasised specific benefits for women's health, including new PBS listings for contraceptives and menopause treatments.

Jordan-Baird described the bill as a tangible cost-of-living measure that will save Australians over $200 million annually, with more than $9.1 million saved in her electorate. Jordan-Baird argued that affordable medicines are crucial for her diverse and young electorate, where many residents face disadvantage and chronic disease burdens. Jordan-Baird highlighted the benefit of 60-day prescriptions, citing a constituent who saves money and reduces doctor visits for rheumatoid arthritis medication. Jordan-Baird connected the bill to broader health investments, including Medicare urgent care clinics, GP training, and a $573.3 million investment in women's health. Jordan-Baird also linked financial stress to mental health issues, noting that affordable access to prescriptions supports overall wellbeing.

Ng asserted that accessible healthcare is a foundation of a decent society and that the bill ensures Australians do not sacrifice health for financial reasons. Ng stated the reform represents a 20 per cent cut to maximum PBS prices, saving families significant amounts, particularly those managing multiple prescriptions. Ng emphasised that pensioners and concession card holders will retain the $7.70 cap until 2030, providing long-term security for older Australians. Ng contrasted the government's record with the previous administration's alleged neglect of Medicare and the PBS. Ng shared an anecdote about a constituent whose husband's cancer treatment was affordable due to PBS listings, illustrating the scheme's importance.

McBride, a pharmacist, recalled seeing patients skip medications due to cost during her time in community pharmacy. McBride welcomed the reduction of the general co-payment to $25, noting it is the largest cut in PBS history when combined with previous reductions. McBride highlighted that co-payments are frozen for the first time in 25 years, preventing inflation-linked increases. McBride shared positive feedback from pharmacy owners who reported that previous cuts allowed them to offer free services, such as Webster-paks, to patients. McBride thanked pharmacy advocacy groups and looked forward to the implementation of the bill on 1 January 2026.

Stanley stated that the bill delivers on election commitments and provides relief for families, with Werriwa residents having already saved almost $8 million from previous changes. Stanley illustrated the impact by noting that a family with multiple prescriptions could save $20 or more per month. Stanley referenced the historical establishment of the PBS by the Chifley government and the current government's $6.1 billion investment in Medicare. Stanley highlighted the rollout of Medicare urgent care clinics and mental health centres as part of a broader strategy to strengthen healthcare access. Stanley commended the bill for making the system fairer and removing barriers to medical help.

Freelander, a doctor, argued that the bill addresses the needs of an ageing population with chronic illnesses, many of whom require daily medication. Freelander noted that the reduction to $25 helps families afford essential treatments, including expensive genetic therapies for conditions like cystic fibrosis. Freelander highlighted that Macarthur residents have saved over $11 million since the cheaper medicines policy began. Freelander praised the government's investment in women's health, GP bulk-billing incentives, and the introduction of 60-day prescriptions. Freelander concluded that equitable access to healthcare is essential for both individual health and national productivity.

lead

McBain argued that the legislation fulfils an election commitment to reduce medicine costs, saving patients over $200 million annually. McBain stated that lowering the general co-payment to $25 and freezing concession prices would help vulnerable Australians avoid difficult choices between medicines and essentials. McBain connected this policy to broader health initiatives, including the expansion of Medicare mental health centres and urgent care clinics in regional areas. McBain warned that high medicine costs lead to untreated chronic conditions, increased hospital demand, and greater inequality in healthcare access.

Ryan argued that the bill supports universal healthcare principles and provides immediate cost-of-living relief for families in Lalor. Ryan noted that the reduction in PBS co-payments and the introduction of 60-day scripts improve medication adherence and prevent avoidable hospital admissions. Ryan highlighted the reinstatement of Designated Practice Area status in the electorate, which has helped increase the number of bulk-billing GPs. Ryan criticised the previous government for neglecting the healthcare system and praised the current government for defending and modernising Medicare.