The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is calling for the Federal Government to freeze the general co-pay price until 2030 to lock in millions of dollars of savings for Victorian patients.
Since 1 January 2026, when the general co-pay price was cut from $31.60 to just $25, Victorian patients have saved $33.1 million.
In 2026, prescription prices are at their lowest level in 20 years – without the Government's intervention the cost of a PBS script would now be about $50.
However, without further action, the $25 general co-payment will begin rising with indexation from 1 January 2027.
Concession card holders already have their co-payment frozen at $7.70 until 2030. The Guild is calling on the Federal Government to keep the general co-pay freeze at $25 until 2030, matching the existing freeze for concession card holders.
"For many Victorian patients, even a small increase in medicine costs can make it harder to keep up with treatment. Freezing the general co-payment at $25 until 2030 would give patients certainty that the medicines they rely on will remain affordable," said The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch President George Tambassis.
"When patients can afford to fill their scripts, they are more likely to stay well and avoid unnecessary pressure on already-stretched GP clinics and emergency departments," Mr Tambassis said.
National President, Professor Trent Twomey, says the landmark reduction is delivering significant cost-of-living relief to those who need it most.
"While the cost of many of life's essentials, such as fuel and groceries continue to rise, Australians have enjoyed peace of mind knowing the price of their PBS medicines is frozen," Professor Twomey said.
"The Albanese Labor Government's $25 PBS general-payment continues to deliver real and immediate cost-of-living relief. The next step is to freeze it," he said.
