Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting on Deregulation) Share this | Hansard source

The National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) Bill 2010 will amend the National Health Act 1953 to deliver a more efficient and sustainable Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, better value for money for Australian taxpayers and policy stability for the pharmaceutical sector. The world-class PBS system provides timely access to medicines for all Australians. The reforms in this bill will guarantee that the PBS continues to provide this essential service to Australians while at the same time ensuring that every precious health dollar is spent effectively. The proposed changes to pricing policy recognise that discounting already exists in the market for many PBS subsidised medicines.