Almost four in five Australians want the maximum price of PBS medicines to remain frozen at $25 or be reduced further, according to new national polling.
The YouGov1 survey found:
- 51% of Australians believe the maximum PBS prescription price should be frozen at $25
- 27% want to see the price of medication reduced further
- 81% of Australians would be concerned if the cost of PBS prescriptions increased in January 2027
National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey, said the results sent a clear message that Australians did not want the price of essential medicines to rise.
“People have told us clearly that they want medicine prices frozen or reduced,” Professor Twomey said.
“Community pharmacists see the pressure that medicine costs place on patients every day. We know that even a relatively small increase can matter to someone managing several prescriptions or supporting a family member with a long-term health condition.
“Affordable medicines are essential to ensuring patients can start and continue the treatment recommended by their healthcare professionals. The message is clear – freeze the maximum PBS prescription price at $25.”
The polling found concern was widespread across the community. Women were more likely than men to want the price frozen or reduced, at 83% compared with 73%.
Older Australians and younger Australian’s were the most concerned about the planned increase. Nearly 9 in 10 of those aged 50+ expressed concern about the price increase. Those aged 18-24 were also concerned about the increase (84%) and 80% would like to see the price of medicine frozen or reduced.
- YouGov research commissioned by The Pharmacy Guild to conducted between 7th and 9th September, 2026. The sample is comprised of a nationally representative sample of 1,058 Australians aged 18 years and older.