Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid, Trent Playford - Pharmacist, Amcal Pharmacy, and Minister for Health, Butler.

26 March 2025

 

HAVING already slashed the cost of medicines – with the largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS in 2023 – they're now going even further.

 

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid said, “As an emergency doctor, I know how important it is that our community can access affordable medicines when they are sick.

 

"This is a more than 20 per cent cut in the maximum cost of PBS medicines, which will save Australians over $200 million each year.

 

“Since our changes passed Parliament, our community has saved over $9 million on their cheaper medicines.

 

“Now, we are making medicines even cheaper, ensuring Australians only pay a maximum of $25 for their PBS medications.”

 

The Labor government says it is committed to delivering cost of living relief for Australians, while strengthening Medicare.

 

"Making medicines cheaper is a tangible way we’re helping with the cost of living," said Minister for Health, Mark Butler.

 

"Four out of five PBS medicines will become cheaper because of this $689 million investment in next week’s Budget.

 

"The last time that PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004."

 

Pensioners and concession cardholders will continue to benefit from the freeze to the cost of their PBS medicines, with the cost frozen at its current level of $7.70 until 2030.

 

This builds on action already taken by the government to deliver cost of living relief through Cheaper Medicines, including:

 

More free and cheaper medicines, sooner, with a 25 per cent reduction in the number of scripts a patient must fill before the PBS Safety Net kicks in – $480 million (July 2022)

 

The largest cut to the cost of medicines in the history of the PBS, with the maximum cost of a script falling to $30, from $42.50 – $624 million (January 2023)

 

60-day prescriptions saving time and money for millions of Australians with an ongoing health condition – $165 million  (Three phases from September 2023)

 

*Freezing the cost of PBS medicines, with co-payments not rising with inflation for all Australians for the first time in 25 years – $9 million (January 2025)

 

Minister for Health Mark Butler said, “The last time Australians paid no more than $25 for a PBS medicine was over 20 years ago. Cheaper medicines are good for the hip pocket and good for your health.

 

“When Peter Dutton was Health Minister, he tried to make medicines cost more, not less.

 

“Peter Dutton tried to jack up the cost of medicines by up to $5 a script and put free medicines for sick pensioners even further out of reach.”

 

“In opposition, Peter Dutton and the Liberals voted to block cheaper medicines six times.

 

“The contrast this election is clear: cheaper medicines with a re-elected Federal Labor Government, or the frankly terrifying legacy of Peter Dutton, who wants medicines to cost more, not less.”

 

Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, said that for pensioners and concession holders, a Labor government will freeze scripts at $7.70 until 2030 to make medicines more affordable.

 

"As the only pharmacist in the parliament, I know the difference cheaper medicines are making for people and families on the Central Coast," Ms McBride said.

 

If re-elected the Federal Labor Government will pass legislation and $25 maximum PBS scripts will start from January 1 2026.

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