Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Brockman for the question. The Turnbull government is resolutely committed to delivering cutting-edge medication to the Australian people that will save lives and protect lives. We will continue to deliver on our promise to list medicines recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. During our time in government, the coalition has listed close to 1,500 new drugs on the PBS, representing a health investment of close to $7.5 billion. This investment has enabled thousands of Australians to access medications that, without subsidy, would have cost them well into six figures per annum, at a cost of only $38.80 for general patients or $6.30 for concessional patients. More than 60 new cancer medicines or amended listings have been approved by the coalition government since October 2013, and this includes new treatments for advanced pancreatic cancer, melanoma, advanced breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Our continued investment in the PBS is part of the government's long-term national health plan, which is guaranteeing the future of Medicare and is providing record investment in medical research and hospitals.

This is vitally important to the people of Bennelong, where many of our key pharmaceutical and health companies are located, in the Macquarie Park area. This, however, has not stopped Bill Shorten's girl Kristina Keneally lying to the people of Bennelong about health issues.