Australia’s PBS cemented in our healthcare system
03 April 2025: Speculation about the United States (US) Administration’s views on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has reconfirmed the sanctity of the PBS as the cornerstone of Australia’s healthcare system.
In responding to announcements from the US today on tariffs, Liz de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia said: “Speculation about the PBS has quite rightly prompted Australians to reaffirm their commitment to our PBS. Australia’s medicines industry, all sides of politics, patients, and clinicians all support patient access to new and breakthrough medicines through the PBS and want a stronger PBS now and in the future.”
“Strengthening the PBS though implementation of the health technology assessment (HTA) reform recommendations sitting on the Health Minister’s desk will ensure Australians see faster access to safe and effective, innovative medicines.
“Active Australian-led reform of the PBS must be our priority and that of the next Government. 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.”
On tariffs, the Australia’s medicines industry notes the US Government has not placed tariffs on Australia’s pharmaceuticals exports.
“Medicines Australia and our members support free, fair and open trade. We called for no tariffs and US based pharmaceutical companies called for no tariffs. Australia is a responsible trading partner and the industry here and in the United States will continue to advocate for free trade,” said Liz de Somer.
“We will continue to monitor the prospect of future sector specific tariffs and will support the Australian Government’s efforts to ensure medicines remain tariff free so that they can get on with improving the PBS for Australian patients,” she added.
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.