11 May 2021
Canberra, ACT
The Morrison Government tonight handed down a blueprint to lead Australia out from under the global health and economic crisis, with Australian patients a priority beneficiary.
The peak body for affordable medicines, the Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) congratulates the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, the Treasurer, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP and the Health Minister, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, for unveiling an ‘unprecedented investment’ Budget, aimed at boosting Australia’s health, social and economic recovery.
The Independent Chair of the GBMA, Ms Jane Halton AO PSM, is a former head of the Finance and Health departments, and has overseen more than 13 health budgets. As one of the world’s most experienced policy makers, Ms Halton described the 2021-2022 Federal Budget as “a Budget for the times”.
“This Budget prioritises Australian patients and ensures our world class healthcare system can remain just that, world class.” Ms Halton said. “Whilst the vaccine rollout is clearly vitally important, it is very pleasing to see other significant funds being tagged to breakthrough new medicines and treatments.”
Patients and taxpayers reap the benefits of nearly two thirds of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) volume being delivered by the generic and biosimilar medicines sector. It was these patients that GBMA members worked extremely hard to protect, as the pandemic crisis triggered disruptions to global medicine supply chains.
“On behalf of all Australian patients, their carers and health professionals, our priority is to remain vigilant against any medicine supply threats,” Ms Halton said. “What the past year has shown us, is that we can never take the security of supply for granted.
With patients our absolute focus, we are looking forward to working closely with the Government on developing smart policies that will serve to ensure all Australians can continue to access affordable, high quality medicines, whenever they need them.” ENDS
ABOUT GBMA
The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) is the peak representative body of generic and biosimilar medicine suppliers in Australia.
Its members ensure that all Australians are offered high quality generic and biosimilar medicines, whilst providing affordable community health outcomes that benefit all Australians.
For more information, please contact the GBMA – admin@gbma.com.au or visit www.gbma.com.au
ENQUIRIES
Jannette Cotterell
Executive Counsel Australia
0419 204 059
jcotterell@executivecounsel.com.au
