Medicines Australia ready to work with new Government on medicines reform and life sciences

23 May 2022: Medicines Australia congratulates Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party on their election win and forming Government. 

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said Medicines Australia and the medicines industry are ready to work closely with the Government on major reforms and policies that will affect all Australians. 

Ms de Somer said that Labor in Opposition was collaborative and consultative in its dealings with Medicines Australia and its members and patient groups and looks forward to the continuation of that productive relationship with the new Government. 

“The new Health Minister, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, is expected to be sworn in next week with the rest of the first Albanese Ministry, has already committed to work with our organisation on the major reforms and unfinished business from prior to the election campaign,” Ms de Somer said. 

“Labor has committed to deliver faster access to medicines, vaccines, and treatments by modernising our health system and pursuing bold forward-looking reforms. This includes a new vision for the National Medicines Policy and improvements to our health technology assessments (HTA). 

“A strengthened health system – that includes fast access to innovative medicines for patients – will be key to Australia’s economic and social recovery from the pandemic. 

“Medicines saves lives and improve quality of life. Medicines and life sciences policies affect all Australians.” 

Medicines Australia will meet with Minister Butler and Shadow Minister Ruston, should she be confirmed in the shadow portfolio, at the earliest opportunity. 

Key priorities include:  

  • Commitments made in the Medicines Australia Strategic Agreement. 
  • Accepting the recommendations from the House of Representatives Inquiry. 
  • Finalising the National Medicines Policy Review and commit to its vision and purpose. 
  • The review of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) process, including agreement on an Independent Chair for the Review Committee. 
  • Establishing a high-level, Government-Industry, life sciences roundtable forum. 

Commitments from Labor and the Coalition to Medicines Australia’s key election asks can be found here.

-ENDS-

For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au
John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au