Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Professor Trent Twomey said as Australians absorbed another increase in interest rates, many households were once again looking at how they could make ends meet.
“As household budgets come under increasing pressure, affordable medicines remain one of the few essential costs Australians can count on.”
Australians have saved more than $1.54 billion on medicines since the Albanese Government first cut the cost of PBS prescriptions in 2023 when medicines cost $42.50. In 2026 prescription prices are at their lowest level in 20 years – without the Government’s intervention the cost of a PBS script would now be about $50.
"When families are paying more for their mortgage they should at least have certainty that the cost of their medicines won't go up as well.
"Australians don't get to choose when they need their medicines. For many people managing chronic conditions, these are essential life-saving costs, not discretionary items.”
Without action, the $25 co-payment will be subject to indexation from 1 January 2027, resulting in higher medicine costs for millions of Australians.
"Everyday community pharmacists see patients going without or stretching scripts and worrying about whether they can afford the medicines they need,” Professor Twomey said.
"A freeze on the PBS co-payment provides certainty at a time when certainty is in short supply.
"No patient should have to make the tough decision between paying for medicine or housing costs, groceries and fuel, not in a country as lucky as ours."
The Guild is calling on the Federal Government to freeze the maximum PBS co-payment at $25 until 2030, matching the existing freeze already in place for concession card holders.
"Australians deserve confidence that while other household expenses may rise, affordable access to medicines will remain protected.
Call on the Federal Government to freeze the maximum PBS co-payment at $25 by signing the petition today www.affordablemedicines.com.au