Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Hughes for the question, and I commend her on the work that she has done in relation to autism. On this side of the chamber, we are very proud to be part of a government that understands that the benefits of a strong economy include providing for the essential services that Australians rely on. One of these essential services is the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. We are investing $40 billion through to 2022 in the listing of life-saving and life-changing medicines. There can be no greater example of the benefits of running a strong economy than our ability to do this.

Mr President, you would be aware that the government is averaging around 31 new or amended listings per month. This equates now to approximately one additional listing or amended listing per day. I'm also pleased to report to the Senate and to Senator Hughes that today we have listed further medicines that treat cancer, cystic fibrosis and arthritic conditions. We have listed Avastin for refractory glioblastoma, which is an aggressive brain cancer. Over 900 patients will benefit, with a saving of around $31,000 per year. We have also listed Sprycel. This will save numerous patients over $51,000 per year. This is for treating Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Somatuline has also been listed for endocrine tumours.

This shows that this government is on the side of the Australian people. We've got a strong economy and we're able to realise the benefits of a strong economy.