Budget 2016
Absence of more PBS reform honours commitment
The 2016 Budget confirms the significant ongoing PBS savings provided by generic medicines, and signals the government’s intent to streamline medicine regulation processes, says GBMA. The absence of further PBS …
SHPA supports improved access, new listings
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia has declared its support for faster and improved access to vital medicines and medical devices as announced in the 2016 Federal Budget. “The …
Budget help for disaster-stricken pharmacies
A PBS measure will be enacted to enable a pharmacy to operate from temporary premises after damage to the permanent premises, without having to apply formally to relocate the pharmacy. …
Budget 2016: the reaction
The 2016-7 Budget has not proven alarming for Australian community pharmacy, with no more major changes to the PBS affecting the sector. For some pharmacies, the news is good, with …
‘Mixed bag’ Budget
More reactions to the Budget from stakeholders including Medicines Australia, the Medicines Partnership of Australia, and Cancer Council Treatments, placebos and nocebos: Research Australia has described last night’s budget as …
Budget means opportunities for pharmacist involvement
Primary healthcare reforms being progressed as part of the 2016-17 Federal Budget should provide opportunities for greater involvement of pharmacists, says PSA. However PSA questioned whether the funding quantum allocated …
Tax cuts to benefit pharmacy: Guild
Community pharmacy small businesses stand to benefit from cuts to company and personal income tax, an increased tax discount and instant equipment write-offs contained in tonight’s Budget, says the Guild in a …
Budget lacks understanding of preventive health
The 2016 Budget shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the importance of prevention for the economy and the health of the Australian population, says PHAA Vice President David Templeman. “After tonight’s …
Medicines cost to drop by up to half
The cost of everyday medicines is set to drop by up to half from October 2016, Sussan Ley said in a statement regarding the 2016 Budget today. “Access to vital …
Budget 2016: Jobs and growth, and SME tax cuts
Jobs and growth are the key focus of a Budget to which business groups have responded positively. Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, former pharmacist and beyondblue CEO Kate …
AMA slams Medicare rebate freeze extension
The AMA tonight condemned the extension of the freeze of the Medicare patient rebate until 2020 – a saving to the Government of almost $1 billion. AMA President, Professor Brian …
Tobacco tax increase confirmed
Around 320,000 adult Australian smokers are likely to quit and 40,000 teenagers deterred from taking up smoking as a result of expected tobacco tax increases in the 2016-17 federal budget, …