Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to express my unwavering support for the reduction in the cost of PBS medications from $31.60 to $25. Picture this: you are someone who has been living with a chronic illness, whether that be hypertension or asthma; or maybe you're the parent of a child living with an illness that requires constant medication; or—this might ring true for many of us here today—you're supporting your parents or family members as they age and they require medicinal support to experience a good quality of life. You don't get a choice as to whether you buy the medication or not. It's not like a chronic condition is going to spontaneously disappear; nor will illnesses stop existing and negate the need for medication.

The cost-of-living crisis has placed far too many people in a position where they've had to choose between necessary medications or food on the table, both of which are crucial to living a good life. We've heard how the cost of medications has affected Australians—not just those who live with chronic illness, but everyone who utilises the PBS. We know this has affected you, because on 3 May there was an overwhelming vote in support of Labor's plans to fix this problem. We're not only aware of the impact that this has had on Australians; we're also enacting tangible change to alleviate the pressure that you're experiencing.

People who are affected by the increased cost of medications haven't just been struggling recently. They haven't been able to access a cost this low for their essential medications since 2004. We've reduced costs before, in 2023, but, having heard what Australians need, we're going further, to make sure Australians get the help that they need.

Fundamental to our values is making living easier for those who have it the hardest. Crucial to this reform is freezing the co-payment costs for concession-card holders and pensioners. This alleviates not only the real costs experienced month to month but also the stress experienced at the threat of rising inflation and increased cost-of-living expenses, ensuring no-one has to worry about choosing between two necessary costs. The eligibility criteria for the PBS safety net will expand, directly benefiting those who rely on this system the most, because no-one should be disadvantaged for conditions that they cannot control.

To have to choose to forgo medication expenses can affect a multitude of factors. People can't get to work or to school if they're in too much pain or they can't manage their symptoms without medication. How are people supposed to make money and alleviate cost-of-living pressures without being healthy enough to work? And what is the impact of that on small businesses when their staff are unable to attend because they simply can't afford their medication?

We in Labor have listened, and we've responded. This is a government that isn't just about powering through things. Even though we know how strong Australians are, they should haven't to just grin and bear it through a work day because essential medications were too expensive. They should feel comfortable, well and enabled. This cost reduction to PBS medications from $31.60 to $25—a 2004 rate—is a very significant contribution from the Labor government.