Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Smith for the question. Building on the significant savings already being experienced by Australians from the cheaper medicines that I just spoke about, last Friday saw the beginning of the 60-day dispensing changes. These are important changes; they will mean even more savings for four million patients who are on about 100 common medicines for ongoing health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, osteoporosis and a range of other conditions. These individuals will now be able to get a 60-day script with the agreement of the doctor—and only in that circumstance—which means two scripts for the price of one, halving the cost of their medicine, relieving pressure on the health system and resulting in far fewer visits to the doctor and the pharmacy. We are looking forward to working with pharmacies through the next pharmacy agreement, which we are currently negotiating. It is good to have government and pharmacy back at the table working together.