Australia’s Health Technology Assessment system uses comparative evaluation to determine the value of medicines against a relevant comparator. Comparator selection has increasingly defaulted to the lowest cost comparator. This analysis finds that the lowest cost comparator use has become systemic, creating structural barriers to patient access. It provides a phased roadmap proposing eight actions.

This review assesses the cost-effectiveness of programs under the Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA) and their broader impact on the pharmacy sector and health system. CPAs aim to provide timely and equitable supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines across Australia. The findings provide insights into the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of each program.

This evidence brief examines childhood autism, including claims around paracetamol and vaccination. It addresses misinformation and explains the science that demonstrates that there is no evidence for a causal link between autism and paracetamol, or autism and vaccines. It outlines the causes of autism, autism trends in Australia and factors linked to the rising prevalence...

The Access Consortium comprises the medicine and healthcare regulatory agencies of Australia, Canada, the UK, Singapore and Switzerland. This updated strategic plan outlines the Consortium's approach to regulatory collaboration, streamlined processes and improved access to safe and effective medicines. Key objectives include encouraging joint applications and supporting regulatory innovation.

The 2022–23 Patient Experience Survey data shows that many Australians struggle to afford the medicines they need and that cost barriers to access have increased compared with the previous year.