What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill cuts the most a general patient pays for a Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medicine from $31.60 to $25 per script from 1 January 2026, the lowest since 2004. Pharmacies can still discount below that price. Every party supported the bill, and the debate focused on cost-of-living pressures, delays in listing new medicines, and medicine shortages.
Arguments made in support
Government members said people are skipping or rationing medicines because of cost, and the cut will save Australians over $200 million a year.
Labor speakers said cheaper medicines keep people healthier and out of hospital, which is good for the health system and the economy.
The Coalition supported the bill, saying it matched its own election promise of a $25 co-payment.
Supporters said four in five PBS medicines will become cheaper, building on earlier cuts and 60-day prescriptions.
Arguments made against, or for changes
The Coalition moved a second reading amendment criticising delays in acting on the health technology assessment review and in listing new medicines.
Independents Kate Chaney and Monique Ryan supported the bill but said the safety net remains high and approval of new medicines is too slow.
Senator Fatima Payman said hundreds of medicines are in short supply and moved to cut the co-payment to $20, which the Greens supported. The government opposed it.
The Greens said the bill does not go far enough and called for dental care to be covered by Medicare.
One Nation senators questioned rising scheme costs, possible Medicare card fraud and the use of cheaper generic brands.
159 speeches by 69 members in the House and Senate over 6 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 30 July 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 26 Aug 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 27 Aug 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 28 Aug 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 28 Aug 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 1 Sept 2025 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Australia's Voice
1 Yes
0 No
The last column counts members who did not vote. Party counts are for current members.
3 votes were cast by people who have since left Parliament.
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.