The Albanese Labor Government is making cheaper medicines even cheaper – with a script to cost Australians no more than $25 under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). 

This is another key cost of living measure delivered by the Albanese Government which will continue to put downward pressure on inflation. 

Residents on the South Coast have already benefitted from Labor’s cheaper medicines, saving almost $10 million on the cost of their scripts during our time in Government.

This change will now go even further with a more than 20 per cent cut in the maximum cost of PBS medicines, which will save Australians over $200 million each year. 

Only Labor is committed to delivering cost of living relief for Australians, while strengthening Medicare. 

Making medicines cheaper is a tangible way we’re helping with the cost of living. 

Four out of five PBS medicines will become cheaper because of this $689 million investment in next week’s Budget. 

The last time that PBS medicines cost no more than $25 was 2004. 

Pensioners and concession cardholders will continue to benefit from the freeze to the cost of their PBS medicines, with the cost frozen at its current level of $7.70 until 2030.  

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler:  

“The last time Australians paid no more than $25 for a PBS medicine was over 20 years ago. Cheaper medicines are good for the hip pocket and good for your health. 

“When Peter Dutton was Health Minister, he tried to make medicines cost more, not less.” 

“Peter Dutton tried to jack up the cost of medicines by up to $5 a script and put free medicines for sick pensioners even further out of reach.” 

“In opposition, Peter Dutton and the Liberals voted to block cheaper medicines six times  

“The contrast this election is clear: cheaper medicines with a re-elected Albanese Government, or the frankly terrifying legacy of Peter Dutton, who wants medicines to cost more, not less.” 

Quotes attributable to Fiona Phillips MP:

“Residents in Gilmore have told me Labor’s cheaper medicines are giving them real cost of living relief – these changes will deliver even more savings.

“Our community has already saved almost $10 million, and under a re-elected Labor Government they will save even more.

“Our plan is clear – more bulk billing, more doctors, even cheaper medicines, a federally-funded Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Nowra and extended hours, from 6am until midnight, at the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

“Only Labor will deliver a stronger Medicare for Australia and Gilmore.”

This commitment builds on the important announcements Labor has already made in health for residents in Gilmore:

• A new federally-funded Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Nowra
• Longer hours at the Batemans Bay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic
• More bulk billing by expanding the bulk billing incentive to all Australians
• More doctors and nurses through new training places and scholarships
• More choice, lower costs and better health care for women

If re-elected the Albanese Government will pass legislation and $25 maximum PBS scripts will start from January 1 2026. 

Photo: Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler and Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips chat to pharmacist Jeff Soo staff at Beachside Pharmacy in Ulladulla.

Media contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967