Independent pharmacist prescribing in community pharmacy settings has been piloted and implemented into usual care across Australia. This report assesses the current evidence in Australia and comparable international settings in terms of independent pharmacist prescribing outcomes within community pharmacy settings.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is crucial to the health of Australian citizens. However, despite its strengths, the PBS is not keeping pace with global medical innovation. As a result, Australian patients are missing out on access to innovative medicines. This report presents a challenging picture and reinforces an urgent need to act.

The Australian Government’s Cheaper Medicines policy commenced in January 2026. Despite the reforms starting to take effect, there is a growing risk that many Australians who rely on non-PBS subsidised medicines will continue to be impacted by out-of-pocket costs. This report considers this challenge and outlines a way forward to expand the cheaper medicines program.

This impact analysis supports the Australian Government's consideration of a reduction to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) general co-payment. The analysis compares the general patient co-payment reduction to $25 against the status quo. The proposal is estimated to save patients $784.6 million over four years from 2025–26.

This report discusses the potential for the Trump administration to ask Australia to water down the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This would result in higher medicine prices. The report argues that policies delivering cheaper medicine for Australians should not be considered trade restrictions.