Kara Cook (Bonner, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

In my electorate of Bonner, Labor's cheaper medicines policy has delivered 2.7 million cheaper scripts, putting more than $19 million back in the pockets of locals. From 1 July, people in my community—and, of course, right across the country—have gained access to 10 new and expanded PBS listings, making more life-changing medicines affordable for everyday Aussies.

Tezspire is now listed for severe uncontrolled asthma, with around 18½ thousand Australians expected to benefit from access to treatment that could otherwise cost up to $1,600 per injection. Neffy will provide a new needle-free option for children and adults at risk of anaphylaxis, with around 150,000 Australians currently accessing comparable treatments. Tresiba is now listed for people living with type 1 diabetes, benefiting around 14,000 Australians, while reducing costs by up to $500 per pack. Rystiggo is now listed for adults living with generalised myasthenia gravis, with almost 5,000 Australians expected to benefit from treatment that otherwise costs up to $10,000 per pack. Expanded access to Alecensa will benefit around 440 Australians with certain types of lung cancer, avoiding treatment costs of around $188,000 per course of treatment. Expanded access to Perjeta will help more than 3,000 Aussies with HER2-positive early breast cancer receive the treatment that they need. Labor is strengthening Medicare and making sure Australians can get the medicines that they need at just $25 for their scripts, or $7.70 with a concession card. That is Labor making a real difference to everyday Aussies.

Building Australia's future also means backing the small businesses that keep our communities and local economies strong. Bonner is home to more than 14,000 small businesses, and that's why the Albanese Labor government continues to fund the Small Business Debt Helpline, providing free, independent and confidential support to small-business owners and sole traders experiencing financial difficulty. Whether someone doesn't know where to start with their business debt, needs more help in negotiations with the ATO or is considering the future of their business, the helpline provides practical expert advice. Importantly, it also supports victim-survivors of domestic and family violence who have been left with business debts experienced through financial abuse. If you're a small-business owner doing it tough, you don't have to face it alone. Help is available, and that is what we are here to deliver.