23 June 2011  The uncertainty for patients created by Cabinet deferrals of listing medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be the subject of a Senate inquiry.

 

Peter Dutton, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing, said the independence of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) had been undermined by Cabinet interference.

 

“The inquiry by the Senate’s Finance and Public Administration References Committee will give patients and industry representatives the opportunity to explain how the deferral of the listings by the Gillard Labor Government has affected them.

 

“The Cabinet has no place in making life-and-death decisions.”

 

Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Shadow Minister for Ageing and Shadow Minister for Mental Health, said the inquiry would examine the deferral of the listing of medicines and the consequences for patients and the pharmaceutical sector.

 

“Part of the problem is that the only criteria appears to be a lack of money.

 

“I would encourage all interested parties to make a submission to the inquiry which is due to report in August.”