15-6-09 The Australian Greens today secured the passage of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) cost recovery Bill through the Senate, achieving a win for those who require specialist medication.

"The Greens believe the principle of cost recovery for the PBS assessment and listing process is an important one. We are pleased that our sensible amendments have been supported by both government and opposition," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"Greens amendments have improved this Bill, protecting the availability of low volume, specialist medications that are so important to many groups across Australia."

"We have also strengthened the mechanisms for transparency and accountability for the cost recovery measures by securing a review of the process after two years and ongoing annual reporting," said Senator Siewert.

"The Greens have always believed that we need to enhance and protect the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The PBS is an essential pillar to the public health system, and it must remain viable so that it continues to deliver to the community the drugs and medicines that we require to maintain our health, to treat serious disease and to reduce suffering. These drugs must be accessible to all in the community who need them."

"The Greens have worked productively and collaboratively with the Government to improve this legislation. These changes will go a long way to increasing the accessibility of important pharmaceuticals that could otherwise have been overlooked for listing on the PBS," said Senator Siewert.

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