2 days ago
Albanese government pushes forward with prescription medicine cap at $25
Medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will be capped at $25 per prescription from the start of 2026, down from the current $31.60, with the Albanese government to introduce laws confirming the changes this week.
The major federal election promise will also see the price of PBS scripts frozen at its current level of $7.70 for pensioners until 2030.
The changes will cost taxpayers $200 million per year, but are likely to be popular with voters.
The Coalition matched the policy during the election and is likely to see the bill pass through parliament relatively quickly.
However, Labor used the policy during the federal campaign in April and May to run a scare campaign accusing Peter Dutton and the Opposition of being 'Trump-Lite' and wanting a US style health system.
The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, says: 'The size of your bank balance shouldn't determine the quality of your healthcare'.
'We said we would make cheaper medicines even cheaper - that is exactly what we are doing,' Albanese said.
'This is another example of cost of living relief that helps every Australian.
The Health Minister, Mark Butler, says the last time PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004 – more than 20 years ago.
'The Albanese Government has been focused on delivering cheaper medicines for Australians,' Butler said.
'Cheaper medicines are good for the hip pocket and good for your health.'
The Albanese Government has started the first two sitting weeks of its second term trying to keep the focus on its election promises.
Last week it introduced bills to cut HECS debt by 20 percent, entrench penalty rates in workplace agreements, and safety reforms for the childcare sector.
