The Federal Government this week announced a cap on the price of drugs listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). 

The commitment has been matched by the Federal Opposition, so that PBS scripts will each cost no more than $25, down from $31.60, from January 2026, regardless of the result of the forthcoming election. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement at the APP Conference. It follows a campaign by more than 20 health and community groups - including Wounds Australia and led by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia - to call for more affordable medicines. 

Wounds Australia CEO Jeff Antcliff applauded the outcome. "We know that Australians living with chronic wounds are paying around $4000 each year in out-of-pocket costs, so we welcome this reduction, which will help more than 400,000 people around the country," Mr Antcliff said. 

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Listen to Minister for Health Mark Butler MP on ABC Radio on 20 March 2025.