Luke Howarth (Petrie, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to advise the House that I will be submitting a petition for consideration by the Petitions Committee. The petition was launched and presented to me by a Scarborough local, Althea Giuliani. Althea's daughter suffers from multiple sclerosis, and was using a Sativex spray whilst in England. Sativex is currently    registered in Australia for patients with moderate to severe spasticity due to MS.

At its meeting in July 2013, the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee considered the listing of Sativex on the PBS. However, the application was rejected on the basis of insufficient evidence to establish comparative effectiveness and safety compared with standard care alone in patients who are intolerant to antispasticity medication. I note that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee would accept a new submission to list Sativex on the PBS at any time. However, sponsors cannot be compelled to apply for a PBS listing. I thank the signatories of the petition— (Time Expired)

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43 the time for members' statements has concluded.