Debate resumed from 27 March, on motion by Mr Abbott:

That this bill be now read a second time.

upon which Ms Gillard moved by way of amendment:

That all words after “That” be omitted with a view to substituting the following words: “whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House condemns the Government for:

(1)

failure to investigate the impact of PBS co-payment increases on patients’ access to needed medicines;

(2)

recent changes to the PBS safety net which mean patients must pay more out-of-pocket; and

(3)

the confusion and difficulties presented to patients, doctors and pharmacists by the new 20-day rule on repeat prescriptions”.

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