Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

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

Senate · Thursday 28 August 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

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.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Katy Gallagher (ACT) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Gallagher moved that the bill be read a second time, framing it as a key pillar of the government's commitment to strengthen Medicare. Gallagher argued that reducing medicine costs benefits both financial stability and public health outcomes. The legislation was presented as the fifth wave of reforms, building on previous measures such as safety net adjustments and prescription freezes. Gallagher stated the change would provide immediate relief to over 5.1 million Australians without concession cards.