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

Penfold stated that the coalition would not oppose the bills in the House but argued they only manage shortages rather than preventing them. Penfold highlighted that Australia imports around 90 per cent of its medicines, making it vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and single points of failure. Penfold called for a comprehensive medicine security strategy that includes diversified supply chains, strategic reserves, and an assessment of domestic manufacturing viability. Penfold noted that the Senate had referred the bills to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for further scrutiny.

Campbell supported the bill as a measure to improve readiness for essential medicines being removed from the market. Campbell explained that the legislation requires early notification of discontinuations and ongoing updates if plans change, ensuring healthcare professionals have current information. Campbell also highlighted reforms that streamline regulatory arrangements for biological medicines by allowing closely related products to be grouped under a single registration entry. Campbell emphasised that these changes reduce unnecessary duplication and compliance costs while maintaining safety oversight.

Ryan argued that the bill's notification improvements were insufficient given the scale of Australia's medicine vulnerabilities, citing recent uncertainties surrounding medications for multiple sclerosis and breast cancer. Ryan moved amendments calling for the release of the Health Technology Assessment Implementation Advisory Group's final report and the commissioning of a National Medicines Security Review. Ryan contended that Australia's slow approval times and aggressive pricing policies have reduced the commercial viability of local manufacturing, increasing sovereign risk. Ryan urged the government to address systemic issues beyond mere shortage reporting.

French supported the bills, drawing on his personal experience as a kidney transplant recipient who relies on daily medication. French argued that the 12-month notice requirement for discontinuations provides crucial time for doctors and patients to plan alternative treatments. French noted that the bill expands the Secretary's power to request supply information for any approved medicine, improving the regulator's ability to identify emerging risks. French also welcomed reforms that allow grouped biological products to share a single register entry, reducing administrative burden without compromising safety.

Spender supported the bill for strengthening the mandatory reporting scheme and fixing technical gaps in the Medicines Watch List. Spender expressed concern about recent pricing disputes that threatened the availability of multiple sclerosis treatments and Zoladex, noting that the current bill does not cover notifications for pricing-related delistings. Spender endorsed Monique Ryan's amendments, arguing that the notification framework should be expanded to include commercial decisions and that a national medicine security review is necessary. Spender called for greater accountability mechanisms to protect patients during negotiations and supply disruptions.

Mascarenhas highlighted the anxiety caused by medicine shortages, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when asthma medications were difficult to source. Mascarenhas argued that the bill closes a gap in the current framework by requiring 12 months notice for all reportable medicine discontinuations, not just those with critical impact. Mascarenhas noted that the legislation expands the Secretary's power to request information on non-reportable medicines, citing the IV fluid shortage as an example of why this is necessary. Mascarenhas also supported the reforms allowing biological products to be grouped, reducing unnecessary costs for industry.

Steggall supported the reforms to strengthen monitoring and management of medicine shortages, citing constituent concerns about the removal of Zoladex from the PBS. Steggall argued that while advance warning is necessary, it does not guarantee access, and the system must be capable of responding to commercially driven discontinuations. Steggall called for a faster pathway for therapies addressing high unmet clinical needs, particularly for rare diseases where commercial incentives are low. Steggall urged the government to establish mechanisms that prevent market size from determining whether patients have access to assessed and approved therapies.

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Holzberger supported the bills, arguing they align with the Labor Party's mission to provide universal and quality healthcare. The member cited personal anecdotes and media reports regarding shortages of medications like Ozempic and Estradot to demonstrate the real-world impact of supply chain disruptions. Holzberger linked these issues to the government's broader strategy of strengthening national sovereignty through investments in local industries, such as steel, copper, and aluminium. The member also noted recent government actions, including a $20 million investment to address IV fluid shortages and new PBS listings for menopause hormone treatments.