Jan McLucas (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Ageing, Disabilities and Carers) Share this | Hansard source

I move opposition amendment (1) on sheet 5308 revised:

(1)    Schedule 1, page 22 (after item 73), after line 10, insert:

73A  After section 98AA

Insert:

98AB  Notification by Department of Alterations to pharmaceutical benefits scheme

                 The Secretary must cause to be made publicly available on the Department’s website information on the outcomes of the changes to the pharmaceutical benefits scheme resulting from the introduction National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) Act 2007.

This amendment essentially reflects recommendation 3 of the Senate inquiry. It essentially requires that information about the process of transition and changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme resulting from the introduction of these amendments will be made publicly available. The amendment suggests that that information be made publicly available on the website. I think the parliamentary secretary indicated a minute ago that he had no problems with the recommendation from the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs. This amendment simply puts that into effect. It is a very straightforward, simple amendment which provides transparency for the community on the process. I am not sure how you could vote against it, to be frank.