Barnaby Joyce has slammed a proposed plan to grant access to two months of medication during a fiery clash with Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek.
An estimated six million Australians will be allowed to buy twice as many common medicines for the price of one script – should their GP sign off on it – under a shake-up of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
A fresh report from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia suggested up to 665 pharmacies may close and 20,00 jobs will be slashed under the policy.
Appearing on Sunrise, the former Nationals leader rolled his eyes and lifted his hands in frustration as Ms Plibersek was defending the measure as ‘good policy’.
Barnaby Joyce has slammed a proposed plan to grant access to two months of medication during a fiery clash with Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek
‘Don’t forget every single dollar through this policy is being reinvested into pharmacies so pharmacies will be able to do things like give vaccinations, they’ll be able to do outreach into aged care,’ the Environment Minister said.
Mr Joyce repeatedly interjected as Ms Plibersek mounted her defence, questioning the impact on regional and remote chemists and questioned where Labor’s modelling was on the policy.
‘It’s better for patients,’ the Labor frontbencher started.
‘No it’s not,’ Mr Joyce yelled. ‘When we lose frontline services, that is not good for patients. ‘Cos once you lose the chemist from a town who is going to supply the drugs to the aged care facility.’
‘Every dollar goes into pharmacies,’ Ms Plibersek responded.
‘No it doesn’t Tanya. Read the pharmacy –‘
‘Oh my god, stop yelling,’ the Labor frontbencher snapped.
Sunrise host Nat Barr finally called the pair to order, asking Mr Joyce to ‘just take a breath’ as she questioned by Mr Joyce would be opposed to a policy the government claims will save patients with chronic conditions up to $180 per medication per year.
Mr Joyce said regional Australians risk having to travel further to visit a chemist, potentially wiping out any savings made from the cut price medicines.
‘The people in regional areas are not rich,’ he said.
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The Pharmacy Guild report called for the government to press pause on the policy, which is due to begin on September 1, until a review of the economic impact is completed.
Speaking with Nine, President Trent Twomey savaged the dispensing reform and accused the government of rushing out the policy without proper consultation.
Mr Joyce repeatedly interjected as Ms Plibersek mounted her defence, questioning the impact on regional and remote chemists and questioned where Labor’s modelling was on the policy
‘The cuts are greater than what the pharmacy can absorb,’ he said.
‘What the government needs to do is what they failed to do. They need to consult with pharmacists on how this policy will be rolled out. It’s too much too hard, too fast, too quick.’
The prescription overhaul will come into effect from September 1.
Under the rule change, more than 320 different medicines will be dispensed in 60 day doses – instead of the current 30.
They will still be subject to current price caps – so, instead of paying a maximum of $30 for a 30-day medicine supply, Aussies will pay $30 at most for a 60 day supply.
The policy is largely aimed at those with chronic conditions who spend a lot on treatments.
Included medications on the list are for conditions such as heart disease, cholesterol, Crohn’s disease and hypertension.
People could save up to $180 a year, if their medicine can be prescribed for 60 days rather than 30, or more if their other medicines qualify for the prescription change.
The move has been furiously rejected by the Pharmacy Guild who say the change would cost community chemists $3.5billion.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia president Trent Twomey said the changes could lead to further medicine shortages for patients.
‘I’m all for cost-of-living relief and a cost-of-living measure but this, unfortunately, is just smoke and mirrors,’ he told ABC TV in April.
