“As household budgets come under increasing pressure, affordable medicines remain one of the few essential costs Australians can count on”, said Professor Trent Twomey, National President of PGA.
"When families are paying more for their mortgage they should at least have certainty that the cost of their medicines won't go up as well”.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia estimates patients have saved a cumulative $140M AUD since the Albanese Labour Government cut the cost of PBS medicines from $31.60 to $25 at the start of 2026. The current price is the lowest since 2004.
The Guild is calling on the Federal Government to freeze the maximum PBS co-payment at $25 until 2030, matching the existing freeze already in place for concession card holders. As a part of their efforts, the peak body launched an online petition, which is currently collecting signatures from patients across the country.
"No patient should have to make the tough decision between paying for medicine or housing costs, groceries and fuel, not in a country as lucky as ours,” Professor Twomey said.
"Australians deserve confidence that while other household expenses may rise, affordable access to medicines will remain protected.”
