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Regional Australians warned PBS changes by federal Labor government will have unintended harmful consequences

The Australian Labor government's planned changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) could harm regional Australians due to unintended consequences such as medicine shortages and delays.

By news@gippsland - 24th April 2023 - Back to News

Regional Australians could be the hardest hit by the Labor government's planned changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) through unintended consequences, according to The Nationals leader David Littleproud. Ahead of next month's Budget, the federal Labor government plans to double the amount of medicines Australians can purchase, by allowing 60-day dispensing. However, experts have warned the move, which is being described as one of the biggest shake-ups the PBS has faced, could create significant medicine shortages and delays.

Doubling scripts could cause medicine shortages, affecting Australians in regional areas, warns The Nationals

Fear of medication scarcity

Mr Littleproud said regional, rural and remote Australians risked being impacted by the changes, which came into effect on July 1. "This is an example of the Labor government's failure to understand the essential needs of every day regional Australians and the unintended consequences of Budget cuts to the PBS."

"Thousands of Australians who need medications could suffer as a consequence, because doubling scripts for some might mean others miss out. Labor has not thought through the ramifications for regional, rural and remote Australia and risks community pharmacies struggling to stock the medicine required."

"People in regional areas are already experiencing challenges in accessing medical support, but this decision stands to make those challenges even more difficult. My fear is that Labor might not realise the long-term impact and is once again neglecting the needs of regional Australia." Mr Littleproud said.

Regional neglect from Labor

Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health Dr Anne Webster said she had been contacted by many regional pharmacies, including in her own electorate in Horsham, Ouyen and Cohuna, who were extremely anxious about the changes and the risk to their sustainability.

"This is another example of the Labor government having no idea of the challenges facing regional communities. When will Labor learn urban-centric policy threatens the very viability of our small towns? Without GPs and pharmacies, towns will struggle to survive." Dr Webster said.

Pictures from Affordable Medicines Now Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention.
• Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
  Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding.
• Farmers warn Woolworths' green-and-gold Hillview butter misleads consumers and undercuts Australian dairy
  Australian dairy farmers warn Woolworths' green-and-gold Hillview butter misleads consumers, undercuts local producers, and risks jobs, as imported US butter competes with declining domestic dairy production.
• Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Darren Chester welcomes St Paul's Anglican Grammar students to parliament house for insight into Australian democracy
  Darren Chester welcomed St Paul's Anglican Grammar students to Parliament House, discussing democracy, civic engagement, and his role as Gippsland's representative while commending their enthusiasm and interest in national issues.
• Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
  Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• East Gippsland welcomes 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale ceremony, celebrating diversity, and shared Australian values
  East Gippsland welcomed 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale, celebrating diversity, community spirit, and contributions of residents embracing their new Australian citizenship.
• Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
  Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season.