Mark Butler (Hindmarsh, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Health and Aged Care) Share this | Hansard source

I'm happy to have a private meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Speaker. Seriously, Greg told us about the cost to his household budget of buying the medicines that literally keep his son alive, and of the relief that this measure will provide to his household budget that experiences the cost-of-living pressure that Australian households right across the country are experiencing right now.

This is not just an important cost-of-living measure. It's also good for public health, because the ABS tells us that every year almost a million Australians go without a script, that their doctor has said is important for their health, because they simply can't afford it. Pharmacists tell us of patients coming to them asking for advice about which scripts they really need to fill and which they can go without. These are terrible choices that no Australian should have to make. If this bill passes, delivering the biggest cut to the price of medicines in Australia's history, then we can help ensure that no Australian has to go without the medicines that they need.

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