Senate passes 60-day dispensing policy
60-day dispensing will become a reality after the Senate passed the federal government’s policy reform, unlocking cheaper medicines for millions of Australians.
The AMA has thoroughly welcomed the Senate’s decision to pass the federal government’s 60-day dispensing policy.
From 1 September, millions of patients will have access to a number of half-price medicines and be required to make fewer trips to the pharmacy.
AMA President Professor Steve Robson thanked the Senate for putting patients first.
“We thank not only the government, but all the senators who stared down the negative scare campaign against this policy,” Professor Robson said.
“This is an important day for Australian patients, who have been desperately waiting for much-needed financial relief amid this cost-of-living crisis.”
The final Senate vote on Thursday followed years of advocacy by the AMA and other health and consumer groups.
Professor Robson was at Parliament House on Thursday, holding a press conference in the morning as he called for Australia’s Senate to reject the Coalition’s attempted disallowance motion.
Professor Robson observed the parliamentary saga unfold, which culminated in defeat for the Coalition’s disallowance motion – meaning the policy should come into effect from 1 September.
Patients have been waiting years for this outcome. The policy was first recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommendations in 2018, and the former government failed to implement it in 2019.
“The AMA reignited the call for this policy in February this year and we have advocated for it every day since,” Professor Robson said.
“As it came down to the wire in the Senate on Thursday, we were there to help ensure that it was successful.”
Professor Robson thanked the many doctor, health and consumer groups that helped get 60-day dispensing over the line — including the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Consumers Health Forum, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Asthma Australia, Breast Cancer Network Australia and many more.
“In just a matter of weeks, affordable medication will be available to every single Australian, and I am so pleased that the Parliament did not miss this crucial opportunity to help patients keep well,” Professor Robson said.
