“Many Canberrans have struggled with the cost of living, making difficult decisions on how to spend their money which can include not having their prescriptions filled,” ACT Branch President, Simon Blacker said. “Community pharmacists have conversations with patients about the tough choices they are forced to make, between filling scripts and other essentials such as rent, groceries and petrol.”
“This is an important step in bringing much needed relief to patients in the ACT,” he said.
Professor Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, lauded the Government’s positive action for patients.
“The Government has made affordable medicine a top priority – bringing in the legislation in its first sitting days,” Professor Twomey said. “This is great news for 20 million Australians without a concession card who will save a combined $689 million in the next four years.”
“Skipping medication leads to poorer health outcomes – and making medicine more affordable will help us to create healthier communities.”
The co-payment for PBS prescriptions will be reduced to a maximum of $25 from 1 January 2026, down from $31.60.
It follows calls from a coalition of more than 20 health and community organisations urging the Government to act to make medicine affordable including the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Patients Australia, Asthma Australia, Family Planning Alliance Australia, QENDO and others.