The "Grills, Chills and Pills" event at Parliament House was an opportunity for Parliamentarians to hear directly from patients how more affordable medicines had benefited them and the risk to their health should the price rise.
Australians have saved more than $168 million on medicines since the general co-pay was cut from $31.60 to $25 on 1 January this year. If the Government doesn’t take action to freeze the price before Parliament rises, the price for PBS general scripts will rise in line with inflation from 1 January 2027.
New research reveals widespread concern across the country about the potential increase, with 83% of women and 73% of men wanting the price frozen or reduced. Nearly nine in 10 people aged over 50 and 84% of those aged 18–24 reported to be concerned about the potential for the price of medicine to increase.
YouGov polling commissioned by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia found:
- 51% of Australians believe the maximum PBS prescription price should be frozen at $25.
- 27% want to see the price of medication reduced further.
- 81% of Australians would be concerned if the cost of PBS prescriptions increases in January 2027.
National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey, said the results sent a clear message: Australians do not want the price of essential medicines to rise.
“People have told us clearly that they want medicine prices frozen or reduced,” Professor Twomey said.
“Community pharmacists see the pressure that medicine costs place on patients every day. We know that even a relatively small increase can matter to someone managing several prescriptions or supporting a family member with a long-term health condition.
“Affordable medicines are essential to ensuring patients can start and continue the treatment recommended by their healthcare professionals. The message is clear – freeze the maximum PBS prescription price at $25.”
Twenty-five patient stories were displayed, highlighting the deeply personal element to the policy discussion.
Six ACT-based community pharmacists shared their firsthand experience of how affordable medicines benefited their patients every day.
The event attracted more than 35 parliamentarians, providing an invaluable opportunity for patients and health advocates to seek direct support for Keeping the Freeze on $25.
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