Parliament House event to shine a spotlight on the future of innovative medicines

31 August 2022: Experts in health, innovative medicines, patient advocacy and Government will gather at the Great Hall, Parliament House on 13 September for the annual “PharmAus22” event.

This year’s theme is Partnering for Future Health and builds on the current significant health reform agenda facing the Australian Parliament. There is considerable opportunity to improve health outcomes for all Australians with Government, industry, patients, clinicians and others in the health system working together.

Event MC, Virginia Haussegger AM, says now is the time to engage and drive significant change to improve the health of all Australians.

“We know Australia’s health system needs an urgent overhaul, so I’m thrilled to help lead discussions with Medicines Australia at this timely and critically important event.

“We must tackle the big issues around health reform and build stronger, healthier systems for our nation. A healthier Australia is in our grasp if we work together,” Ms Haussegger said.

Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia, said the event will look at ways different groups can work together to affect meaningful change.

“The new Government has a large health reform agenda ahead of them and we must all partner together to improve health outcomes for all Australians and speed up access to lifesaving and life-changing medicines, vaccines and treatments.

“This year’s discussion panels include representatives from the medicines industry, patient groups, scientists, clinicians and Government, and the debates will be relevant and timely and address issues affecting all Australians.

“We will also have an address from the new Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston.

“It is an exciting agenda that looks at what we have been able to build during the pandemic and what opportunities there are just on the horizon for innovative medicines,” Ms de Somer said.

The full PharmAus22 agenda:

From 12pm

Arrivals, afternoon tea and registration

12:50 – 1:00pm

Formalities Commence: Opening from MC, Virginia Haussegger

1:00 – 2:00pm

Session 1: Defining Future Health 

  • Dr Susie Nilsson, CSIRO
  • Tamara Dawson, founder of Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN)
  • Professor Andrew Wilson, Chair of Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)
  • Dr Anna Lavelle, Chair of Medicines Australia

2:10 – 3:20pm

Session 2: the power of the patient voice 

  • Dr Dawn Casey, Deputy Chair of National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
  • Richard Keane, CEO of Living Positive Victoria
  • Ann Single, Patient Voice Initiative (PVI)
  • Jo Watson, Deputy Chair of Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC)

3:30 – 4:30pm

Session 3: Partnering with Government

  • Jerome Laxale MP, Member for Bennelong 
  • The Hon Dr David Gillespie MP, Member for Lyne 
  • Dr Mike Freelander, Chair of the standing committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport and Member for Macarthur
  • Dr Gordon Reid MP, Member for Robertson

4:30 – 5:00pm

Session 4: Outcomes and Next Steps

  • Virginia Haussegger AM, MC 
  • Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia

6:00 – 8:00pm

Cocktail reception and Industry Showcase continues in Great Hall

Address from Minister Butler and Shadow Minister Ruston at 6:00 pm in Great Hall

-ENDS-

For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au
Margaret Cresswell – 0410 456 293 / margaret.cresswell@medicinesaustralia.com.au