Medicines industry welcomes new Abbott Government

Medicines Australia today congratulated the Abbott Government on being elected and welcomed the incoming Ministers in the new Government.

“I’d like to congratulate Tony Abbott on being elected as Prime Minister and for forming his new Government,” said Medicines Australia Chief Executive, Dr Brendan Shaw.

“We look forward to working with him and his team on the important issues facing the Australian medicines industry.

“We’re delighted at today’s announcements of the Prime Minister’s new team who the industry will be working with.

“I congratulate the Hon Peter Dutton, Minister for Health and the Hon Ian Macfarlane, Minister for Industry on their appointments.

“With over four years as Shadow Health Minister, Mr Dutton understands how the business model of this industry operates and the important role we play in delivering medicines to Australian patients.

“Mr Macfarlane has also worked well previously with the industry as Industry Minister under the Howard Government. He understands the industry’s issues and we look forward to renewing our working relationship going forward.”

During the election campaign the Coalition made very welcome commitments to:

  • Restore the integrity and independence of the PBAC;
  • Restore the Cabinet threshold for the listing of PBS medicines at $20 million;
  • Ensure that patients have timely access to independently assessed innovative new medicine; and
  • Accelerate clinical trial reform.

These are welcome initiatives and the industry looks forward to working collaboratively with the new Government to ensure that they are implemented.

Reforms implemented by both sides of Parliament have ensured that the PBS is on a low growth trajectory.

Medicines Australia looks forward to working with the new Government in a co operative, no surprises environment that maintains the viability of the medicines industry in Australia and timely access to medicines for Australian patients.

-ENDS-

Contact Person:

Alex Chapman
Phone: (02) 8281 3204
Email: alex@ogilvyprhealth.com