Maria Kovacic (NSW, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Women) | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Ruston, I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Ageing, by no later than 17 August 2026, the final report and roadmap of the Health Technology Assessment Review Implementation Advisory Group, and related documents.

Jordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement of no more than a minute.

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) | Link to this | Hansard source

We have heard from many stakeholders that there is an urgent need for reform to the PBS to ensure that medicines are available and affordable, and an important part of that is the recommendation of the HTA review. Since the review concluded in 2024, there has been very little action taken. Meanwhile, people are missing out on life-saving medicines because of government inaction. The release of this report is a small part of this, and I have been assured by the government that they will release this report in due course at a time that is in the public interest. As it will be released soon, the Greens will not be supporting this motion today, in order to allow the government to undertake the necessary processes to ensure this report is released at an appropriate time. We encourage the government to continue communicating openly about the progress of this report and its release date.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) | Link to this | Hansard source

The government will be opposing this motion. We are working in close consultation with patient, consumer and industry representatives regarding the Health Technology Assessment Review and have commenced negotiations on the strategic agreement. We are progressing the release of the HTA review and continuing to engage with consumers on these reforms, and it's important that these processes be allowed to play out. We'll have more to say on these matters as the process progresses.

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 587 standing in the name of Senator Ruston be agreed to.