Government Presents Plan to Lower Medicines Bill in Parliament

PBS costs to drop from $31.60 to $25 for general patients.

Australian Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler speaks at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 28, 2022 . Martin Ollman/Getty Images

The Albanese government has formally introduced the National Health Amendment (Cheaper Medicines) Bill 2025 in Parliament, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket costs for millions of Australians by lowering the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment.

The bill was presented in the House of Representatives on July 30 by Health Minister Mark Butler.