Anne Stanley (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At least once a month, millions of Australians fill prescriptions at their local pharmacy. It's a constant in the lives of millions of Australians with chronic conditions, and all too familiar with millions more Australians who suffer from acute illnesses at any time. It's also a constant expense. Unfortunately, many Australians who have been feeling the effects of the cost-of-living pressures have had to ration their medications or even go without. No Australian should ever have to choose between paying their bills, feeding their family or filling a script.

Before the 2022 election, the Albanese government promised to make medicines cheaper, and our policy is helping now more than ever. On 1 January 2023, the Albanese government slashed the PBS co-payment to $12.50, the largest in the 75-year history of the PBS. Since then, Australians have saved $280 million. My community has saved $1.5 million since the co-payment was reduced and is set to save more during 2024. Australians can now fill their scripts for cheaper at a growing list of pharmacies across the country, and Australians are set to save more with the recent expansion of the medicines eligible for 60-day dispensing. The Albanese medicines policy is providing ongoing cost-of-living relief and ensuring Australians can keep more of what they earn.