Media release – Medicines Australia

Media Statement: Pharmaceutical Tariffs

Media Statement by Medicines Australia: Pharmacuetical Tariffs

23 October 2025: Whilst there have been no public updates on pharmaceutical tariffs following President Trump’s meeting with the Australian Prime Minister, Medicines Australia believes President Trump is likely to turn his attention back to low pharmaceutical prices being paid by other countries around the world. As Australian published prices of pharmaceuticals are ranked amongst the lowest, Australia will once again be in the spotlight.

President Trump has said the U.S. will introduce a 100% tariff on branded or patented pharmaceutical imports from 1st October 2025, unless pharmaceutical companies build manufacturing plants in the U.S. The President also issued a series of letters to pharmaceutical company CEOs formalising his Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Executive Order, which directed companies to reduce their U.S. drug prices to match those in “comparably developed nations” or risk regulatory enforcement. The U.S. administration’s objective, across both MFN and the tariffs, is for Americans to pay less for their medicines.

The international pharmaceutical industry is conducting one-to-one negotiations between President Trump and company heads to respond to the MFN Executive Order and the 100% tariff. To date, three companies have announced ‘deals’ with the Trump Administration, with further companies planning to follow suit.

We are already seeing the impact of these policies, with a slow-down in new medicines coming to Australia. Our members are advising that there is significant scrutiny over new medicines launches, by their international headquarters, due to low prices in Australia. They are choosing not to launch new medicines here, or to delay medicines launches.

Currently only one in four (27 per cent) of globally supplied new medicines are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) or Life Saving Drugs Program. Patients also wait, on average, 466 days between the registration of new medicines in Australia, by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and a PBS listing.

We must ensure Australian patients have access to the same innovative medicines as other comparable countries. Investment in new medicines provided on the PBS is declining. It has also been 30 years since the program was reviewed, while medicines and health technologies have advanced significantly.

We therefore need urgent action to reform to our Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to make the PBS faster, fairer and fit for the future, and to ensure medicines are more appropriately valued, making Australia more attractive for new launches.

Urgent HTA reform, plus increased investment in the PBS, will demonstrate local action is underway and address some of the issues raised by the US administration. It will also improve recognition of the value in innovation of medicines and improve time to access.

Media enquiries to: Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube – media@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0417 421 560

Announcement by Astra Zeneca and US President Trump

Announcement by Astra Zeneca and US President Trump

The pharmaceutical industry is conducting one to one negotiations between President Trump and company heads, to respond to the letters the President sent to several CEOs. The US administration’s objective is for Americans to pay less for their medicines. This announcement is the next and represents a growing trend.

Medicines Australia believes President Trump will shortly turn his attention back to pharmaceutical prices being paid by other countries around the world – through his Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Executive Order – and Australia will again be in the spotlight.

We are already seeing this Order impacting companies with a slow-down in new medicines coming to Australia. Our members are advising us there is significant scrutiny over launches by their international headquarters. They are choosing not to launch or delay launches.

Currently only one in four (27 per cent) of globally supplied new medicines are listed on the PBS or Life Saving Drugs Program. Patients also wait, on average, 466 days between registration of the new medicine in Australia by the TGA and PBS listing.

We must ensure Australian patients are front and centre and have access to the same innovative medicines and level of care given around the world. Investment in new medicines provided on the PBS is declining. It has also been 30 years since the program was reviewed, while medicines and health technologies have advanced significantly.

We must move quickly now on:

1) Increasing investment in innovative medicines provided by the PBS – additional investment is essential to ensure Australians continue to access new medicines.
– Net spend on innovative medicines, as a share of GDP, is low in Australia compared to other like countries (Australia: 0.26%, UK 0.28%, France 0.29%, Canada 0.32%, Germany 0.36%, Japan: 0.4%, Italy 0.46%, Spain 0.53%).
– Net PBS spend has declined relative to the health budget over the last decade (14 per cent down to 12 per cent).

2) Commencing urgent reform to the HTA (Health Technology Assessment) – to ensure medicines are more appropriately valued, making Australia more attractive for launches.
– The Government must implement reforms to the comparator selection – so the main comparator is the therapy doctors would replace with the proposed new medicine. Fixing this and lowering the discount rate can be done with the stroke of a pen.

For the patient community, their families and healthcare professionals, there is no time to wait. We must get on with action now.

Media enquiries to: Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube – media@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0417 421 560

About Medicines Australia

Medicines Australia leads the research-based pharmaceutical industry of Australia. Our members discover, develop and manufacture the medicines that are the foundation of a healthy and prosperous society, including prescription pharmaceutical products, biotherapeutic products and vaccines. Our members invest in Australian medical research and take local discoveries and developments to the world.

AusBiotech and Medicines Australia launch new advisory group to accelerate advanced therapies

AusBiotech and Medicines Australia launch new advisory group to accelerate advanced therapies

01 October 2025: AusBiotech and Medicines Australia are inviting expressions of interest from current members to join the newly established Advanced Therapies Advisory Group, which will provide input into strategic leadership initiatives supporting Australia’s growing advanced therapies sector.

Building on the legacy of the two-year Cell and Gene Catalyst, which laid the groundwork for Australia’s cell and gene industry, the Advisory Group will support national coordination and enable collaborative policy discussions to address the sector’s most pressing opportunities and challenges.

The urgency for greater coordination is underlined by the Australian Cell and Gene Therapies Innovation Investment Report, released today in partnership with Deloitte. The report reveals:

91% of respondents agree national coordination is essential to advance Australia’s capabilities.
Industry is growing rapidly and moving towards maturity.
71% of respondents plan to increase R&D investment.
Challenges remain in manufacturing, workforce and patient access.

The Advisory Group will act on these findings and lead policy development and advocacy across the critical areas, including manufacturing capacity, workforce, and strengthening patient pathways to new therapies.

Representation will span membership from both peak bodies, with additional representation from the Solutions for Manufacturing Advanced Regenerative Therapies Cooperative Research Centre (SMART CRC), which will also play a central role.

AusBiotech CEO, Rebekah Cassidy: “Australia’s advanced therapies sector is entering a phase of maturation, and national coordination is essential to ensuring patients, industry, and the healthcare system benefit from these innovations.

“Through this new Advisory Group, we will ensure industry voice is heard across priority areas as we shape policy discussions designed to grow Australia’s leadership in advanced therapies.”

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer: “Collaboration is essential to maintain momentum in the delivery of advanced therapies – cell and gene technologies – to the community. This Advisory Group represents a very important step forward in unifying industry and other stakeholders to consider and address critical policies and delivery mechanisms to ensure we fully harness and maximise these important therapeutics now and into the future.”

Professor Simon Cool, Chief Executive Officer SMART CRC: “This Advisory Group is a timely and strategic move for Australia’s regenerative therapies sector. The SMART CRC strongly supports this initiative, which reflects our commitment to building a collaborative, industry-led ecosystem that delivers scalable, cutting-edge therapies to patients. We’re proud to represent the voice of our 63 partners and look forward to contributing to meaningful health and economic outcomes for Australians”.

Deloitte Global Investment and Innovation Incentive Partner, Greg Pratt: “The report underscores a critical opportunity for government to help unlock the full potential of Australia’s cell and gene therapy sector. With clear signals of growing private sector momentum, targeted government investment can play a catalytic role — strengthening infrastructure, building workforce capability, and enabling national coordination. By supporting the development of a connected, end-to-end CGT ecosystem, we can accelerate translation, attract global investment, and ultimately deliver better health and economic outcomes for Australia.”

The Advisory Group will provide a unified voice to government, industry, and the community, ensuring Australia seizes the opportunity to become a leading hub for advanced therapies and delivers better health outcomes for patients.

AusBiotech and Medicines Australia members interested in joining the new group should use this EOI form here to register their interest. The closing date for nominations will be Wednesday, 22 October.

-ENDS-

Media inquiries:

Emma Boscheinen, AusBiotech / Tel. +61 437 075 209 / eboscheinen@ausbiotech.org
Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia / Tel. +61 417 421 560 / anne-marie@cube.com.au

About AusBiotech:

AusBiotech is Australia’s life sciences organisation, working on behalf of more than 3,000 members for more than 39 years, to provide advocacy and services that promote the global growth of the Australian life sciences industry. With our unrivalled membership breadth and national convening power, we drive the advancement of life sciences and our members’ success in translating clinical research and technologies into real-world solutions while fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration to help life sciences innovators thrive.

About Medicines Australia:

About SMART CRC:

The Solutions for Manufacturing Advanced Regenerative Therapies (SMART) Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) is a nationally coordinated initiative that brings together expertise from across the regenerative therapy value chain. With 63 foundation partners spanning industry, government and research, the SMART CRC fosters collaboration to grow Australia’s regenerative therapy ecosystem, accelerate breakthrough technologies and deliver life-changing treatments. Together, we will mature a self-sufficient, sustainable pipeline of technologies and talent, unlocking its full potential to benefit Australia’s economy, healthcare, and patients.

Medicines Australia firmly oppose US tariffs on pharmaceuticals

Medicines Australia firmly oppose US tariffs on pharmaceuticals

26 September 2025: Medicines Australia firmly opposes the introduction of tariffs from 1 October on Australian branded and patented medicines exporting to the US. We are engaging with our members and Government agencies to seek clarification and assess the implications.

According to the Australian Government, Australia has a pharmaceutical trade deficit with the US. In 2024, Australia exported around A$2.2 billion in pharmaceutical products to the United States (US) but imported around A$4 billion.

Medicines Australia and our members support free, fair, and open trade. Whilst the US administration’s intention is to draw manufacturing and jobs back to the US, this measure will affect global investment in the life science sector, where Australia plays a key role.

“From an Australian perspective we are more concerned with the Most Favoured Nation reference pricing benchmark proposal as Australian prices are already very low, compared to comparable countries. This is already impacting Australian patients access to new innovative treatment options – with decisions being made to slow new products launching in Australia which will exacerbate the delays to listing on the PBS,” states Liz de Somer, CEO.

“We therefore need to move urgently forward with the proposed reform to our Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to make the PBS faster, fairer and fit for the future and we need to see greater investment in the PBS to reverse the decades long decline in investment. For the patient community, their families and healthcare professionals, there is no time to wait. We started this process several years ago and we must now work quickly towards actions and implementation,” she adds.

Media enquiries to: Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube – media@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0417 421 560.

About Medicines Australia

Medicines Australia Receives Four Board Nominations

Medicines Australia Receives Four Board Nominations

22 September 2025: Medicines Australia confirms it has received four nominations for the two vacant Board director positions and will proceed to a ballot, as a result, later this month.

The nominated candidates are:-

Joana de Castro – Area Managing Director, Johnson&Johnson Innovative Medicines ANZ
Josie Downey – Managing Director, Merck Healthcare ANZ
Melissa McGregor – General Manager, Chiesi ANZ
Liz Selby – Country Lead and Head of Pharma Sanofi ANZ

The ballot will be open from 9.00am Friday 26 September 2025 until 5:00pm Thursday 16 October 2025. Election results will be announced at the AGM on Wednesday 29 October 2025. TrueVote has been contracted by Medicines Australia to conduct the online voting process.

The Medicines Australia Board Elections represent an important constitutional process for the organisation. The leadership and vision provided by the Board will be imperative for the next phase of the HTA reform process and securing a PBS that is faster, fairer and fit for the future and ultimately providing improved patient access to innovative medicines.

Media enquiries to: Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube – media@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0417 421 560

About Medicines Australia

Medicines Australia welcomes first steps on HTA reform

03 September 2025: Medicines Australia welcomes first steps on HTA reform

Medicines Australia welcomes the Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS, announcing at PharmAus 2025, immediate steps on critical recommendations of the HTA Review Interim report, released 12 months ago.

“For patients, patient advocacy groups and clinicians, it is essential we urgently get on with HTA reform and make the PBS faster, fairer and fit for the future. The actions announced by the Minister today are a start as we progress a reform package for 2026-27 Federal Budget consideration,” said Liz de Somer, CEO Medicines Australia.

“We look forward to working with the Government on updating the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) Guidelines to revise the application of lowest cost comparator. We see this as an essential measure, so the Minister doesn’t have to intervene in an ad hoc manner like he did for Australian women to access newer contraceptives.

“Implementing changes to lower the discount rate for preventative vaccines is also a priority in the guidelines that will enable the latest vaccines to be made available to Australians through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

“We are pleased the Government will also quickly commence trialling new ways to streamline assessment of medicines.

“Improving equity is a priority for all stakeholders, and Medicines Australia welcomes the announcement today of a biannual meeting to consider issues related to medicines for First Nations people,” said Liz de Somer.

Additional areas highlighted by the Minister include rapid research into areas of high unmet clinical need and a HTA stakeholder engagement framework, with a particular focus on improving consumer and patient engagement.

“For the patient community, their families and healthcare professionals, there is no time to wait. We must get on with action now. The average wait for a medicine to be listed on the PBS is 466 days – this is too long.

“We started this process two years ago and we must now get work underway and generate momentum. We must now work quickly towards actions and implementation,” added Ms de Somer.

We acknowledge and thank Professor Andrew Wilson, Chair of HTA Review Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) for his support in securing this important progress.

IAG Chair Professor Andrew Wilson’s Interim Report cover letter to the Minister for Health and Ageing: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/iag-chair-professor-andrew-wilsons-interim-report-cover-letter-to-the-minister-for-health-and-ageing?language=en

Media enquiries to: Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube – media@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0417 421 560 Tash Silkin, Medicines Australia/Cube – 0494 408 965

About Medicines Australia and PharmAus2025

Over 300 representatives – from patient groups, parliamentarians, health peak bodies, academia and the industry – gathered today in Canberra for PharmAus2025.

United for innovation: AusBiotech and Medicines Australia

31 July 2025: United for innovation: AusBiotech and Medicines Australia celebrate Catalyst outcomes, further strengthen industry collaboration

AusBiotech and Medicines Australia have marked the two-year conclusion of the joint venture Cell & Gene Catalyst by celebrating its outcomes and committing to greater industry collaboration to unify the industry’s efforts and voice.

The Catalyst was established as a two-year joint venture between AusBiotech and Medicines Australia to activate Australia’s cell and gene industry by connecting key stakeholders.

With the support of Catalyst’s partners, and under the leadership of its Director, Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM, the joint venture has successfully forged new pathways for national alignment, deepened sector understanding, and strengthened a unified voice on a range of topics from the healthcare workforce to precinct development, capability and capacity-building, market access, clinical trials and strategic investment to accelerate the cell and gene industry.

Rebekah Cassidy, CEO AusBiotech: “Our organisations are proud of the deep connections the Catalyst has built and the strong foundationit has laid for long-term cell & gene industry growth in Australia. Given the maturing of Australia’s cell and gene industry over recent years – evidenced by new entrants, new industry-led partnerships, and new collaborative programs like the SMART CRC – AusBiotech and Medicines Australia believe the time is right to move toward even greater industry unification to move critical discussions forward.”

Liz De Somer, CEO Medicines Australia: “Both peak bodies recognise the need for the sector to continue important discussions on key topics including access, workforce and manufacturing. Medicines Australia and AusBiotech will continue to champion and invest in new collaborative structures that further unite the voice of the sector.”

Following the planned conclusion of the Catalyst in September 2025, AusBiotech and Medicines Australia will work with their members to develop a new program of engagements and partnerships, designed to further connect and unify the work of the industry.

To enable this change both organisations will:

1. Establish a joint AusBiotech and Medicines Australia Advanced Therapies Advisory Group focused on policy development and advocacy to address current and emerging opportunities and issues facing the advanced therapies community.

The Group will include member representation from both peak bodies and importantly, a representative of the SMART CRC, to progress and support strategic projects that foster continued growth of the industry.

AusBiotech and Medicines Australia will issue an EOI to register interest in this group soon.

2. Strengthen our sector collaboration through an ongoing strategic partnership agreement between AusBiotech and the SMART CRC.

3. Continue to collaborate on a range of whole-of-sector topics including those related to access, workforce and manufacturing through each organisation’s current and evolving working and advisory groups.

Professor Simon Cool, Chief Executive Officer SMART CRC: “The SMART CRC is excited to further strengthen its partnership with AusBiotech and Medicines Australia to help unify and advance Australia’s regenerative therapies sector. Together, we will support the newly formed Advanced Therapies Advisory Group, amplifying the voices of key stakeholders, including state governments, biotech and regenerative therapy companies, healthcare providers, universities, and research institutes.

“By working collaboratively with AusBiotech and Medicines Australia, the SMART CRC aims to grow Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities, expand the skilled workforce, anchor cutting-edge technologies onshore, and accelerate the delivery of breakthrough medical treatments that can transform lives”.

Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea AM, Catalyst Director: “The Catalyst has played a pivotal role in the evolution of Australia’s advanced therapies sector, with significant growth and activation, propelling the ecosystem toward a more collaborative and mature industry. It’s been an honour to drive positive change for advanced therapies with expert leaders within the sector and I am grateful for the goodwill and collaboration demonstrated during this time.

“This progress bolsters the cell and gene industry and gives hope to Australia’s peoples”.

-ENDS

Media inquiries:
Emma Boscheinen, AusBiotech / Tel. +61 437 075 209 / eboscheinen@ausbiotech.org
Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia / Tel. +61 417 421 560 / anne-marie@cube.com.au

Radiopharmaceuticals An Important Focus for Medicines Australia

Radiopharmaceuticals An Important Focus for Medicines Australia

13 June 2025: Medicines Australia is building an increased focus on the policy environment to support the provision of safe and effective patient access to advanced radiopharmaceuticals with the creation of an expert interest group drawn from across its membership. The organisation is currently calling for expressions of interest among member companies to become part of this priority group which will formally come together in July.

The development and availability of advanced radiopharmaceuticals is an evolving and exciting area in the treatment of cancers – notably where a specific biomarker is present. The cancer types where innovative radiopharmaceuticals can offer an important and effective treatment option include prostate cancer, neuroendocrine cancers and lymphoma. There are currently very few innovative radiopharmaceuticals approved by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA).

“As this area gains momentum, Medicines Australia believes the application of a clear regulatory framework, coupled with appropriate Health Technology Assessment (HTA) practices, is essential, and must apply the same rigour and assessment of high-quality clinical evidence to safeguard patients that is required for other pharmaceuticals,” said Sue MacLeman, Chair, Medicines Australia.

The requirements Medicines Australia will assert for include evaluation by the Therapeutics Goods Administration for quality, safety and efficacy and a transparent, evidence-based assessment of cost-effectiveness to support reimbursement on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

“This Medicines Australia working group will look at the parameters required to provide access to these advances that meet strict regulatory requirements and ensures safety and quality remains our top priority for the patient community,” Ms MacLeman said.

“It is critical we explore how to get these cancer treatments to patients whilst meeting high regulatory standards. While historically unapproved medicine pathways have been applied, this is no longer necessary or appropriate. We look forward to a collaborative and productive interaction with Government to form a considered and efficient path forward,” she added.

For further information the Medicines Australia Position Paper on Radioligand therapies – is available here (PDF).

Media enquiries to: Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube – media@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0417 421 560

About Medicines Australia

Medicines Australia congratulates Health Minister and ministerial team

Medicines Australia congratulates Health Minister and ministerial team

12 May 2025: Medicines Australia congratulates the Hon. Mark Butler MP on his reappointment as the Minister for Health and Ageing and for adding the portfolios of Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme to his remit. Minister Butler MP can now fix what he acknowledges as a “clunky” Health Technology Assessment (HTA) system and strengthen the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for future generations.

CEO of Medicines Australia Elizabeth de Somer welcomed the reappointment of Minister Butler, noting his deep understanding of the complexities of the health portfolio including the PBS and the medicines industry.

In welcoming the appointment, Ms de Somer emphasised Minister Butler’s public commitment, in this term of Government, to deliver faster access to medicines, vaccines, and treatments by modernising our PBS. “Minister Butler’s constructive leadership over the past term has laid important groundwork for bold and forward-looking reforms that will set the course for world’s best health care for future generations.”

“Reform of the PBS must be the priority. Science and medicines have evolved significantly in the 30 years where no meaningful reform has occurred. The system is no longer fit for purpose and patients are waiting too long – on average 466 days when elsewhere in the world the wait may be as low as 60 days.”

“It is now more than two and a half years since the HTA review commenced and more than six months since its recommendations landed. Delays in accessing new medicines through the PBS are profoundly impacting patient lives.”

“Australians have waited long enough – the time for action is now and we look forward to working with Minister Butler to deliver all the commitments made under the existing Strategic Agreement and commence active implementation of the HTA Review.”

Medicines Australia welcomed the continuity in the Government’s senior economic team and congratulated other Ministers in the broader health and life sciences portfolios: Rebecca White, Assistant Minister for Health, Indigenous Health and Women; Tim Ayres, the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science; Andrew Charlton, Assistant Minister for Science and Technology; and Dan Repacholi, Special Envoy for Men’s Health. Medicines Australia will seek meetings with these Ministers at the earliest opportunity to discuss the way forward to improve the health of all Australians.

“Medicines save lives and improve lives. Investment in the health of all Australians means better outcomes for our society, our economy, and our overall health and wellbeing. We look forward to working with the Government’s health, life sciences, industry and economic teams to ensure 2025 is a year of HTA implementation action so Australian patients can access life changing new medicines when they need them,” Ms de Somer said.

Media enquiries to: Anne-Marie Sparrow, Medicines Australia /Cube – media@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0417 421 560

About Medicines Australia

Australians rank access to affordable healthcare as second most important priority after cost of living: survey

Australians rank access to affordable healthcare as second most important priority after cost of living: survey

4 December 2024: Access to affordable healthcare, including fast access to new medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), is the second most important priority for Australians behind cost of living, data from the latest Mood of the Nation survey by SEC Newgate shows.

The survey of 1,611 Australians found 68% believe the Government should be investing more to ensure quality affordable healthcare for all Australians and rank it as the second most important priority behind reducing cost increases for household bills and other essential expenses.

Nearly three quarters of Australians (74%) believe the Government should subside the best medicines available, even if it means more of a cost to taxpayers.

Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said the results show access to medicines remains an extremely important issue for Australians and investing in a stronger PBS makes sense for the economy and the health of the nation.

“This survey shows Australians want to see more investment in the PBS. We know Australians are very concerned about their health today, as it links to their employment, financial security and quality of life,” Ms de Somer said.

“The Mood of the Nation survey shows a higher number of Australians are very concerned about access to medicines, and more people are realising our Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the systems that sit behind are not keeping pace with medical advances.”

More than half of Australians (57%) rate access to the most appropriate form of medication for their circumstances as their main priority when it comes to medicines, such as a tablet, liquid, injection or other form. Around one in five (18%) rate access to the latest medicines as most important.

In addition, 11% of respondents were unable to access the medicine they need through the PBS.

“Policy makers need to start viewing the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as an investment in health, wellbeing and productivity. We need to look at the productivity gains medicines offer, potential savings in other areas of the health system, and the full impact of those gains on society when determining if medicine should be made available on the PBS. This includes how we assess and value different forms of medicines.”

“Australians believe it is reasonable to expect to be able to access the most appropriate medicine available for their condition when they need it. It’s clear taxpayers want to see more investment in healthcare and medicines and want to see new medicines subsidised faster.”

Additional survey results

– 68% of Australians believe the Government should be investing more to ensure quality affordable healthcare for all Australians. This is considered the second highest national priority, behind reducing cost increases for household bills and other essential expenses (76%).

-Investing more in healthcare ranked ahead of interest rates, rental property affordability, and addressing violence in the community.

-In response to how people are impacted by the rising cost of living, 15% said they have been unable to pay for needed medical expenses.

-In the last six months, Australians were most likely to have experienced difficulty:
getting an appointment when they needed one (36%)
affording the cost of health and medical services (35%)
experiencing long waiting lists for services they needed (32%)

One in four (26%) experienced difficulty affording the cost of medicines, with renters (34%), women (29%) and those aged 18-34 (33%) more likely to have had difficulty.

About the survey
The Mood of the Nation survey by SEC Newgate included 1,611 Australians aged 18+. Quotas are set on gender, age and location to achieve an accurate representation of the nation. Data is weighted to ABS Census population statistics on age, gender, location and occupation. This survey was in the field from 10-14 September 2024.

Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.