Australians have saved over $30 million since medicine became cheaper on 1 January 2026. The maximum cost of a PBS prescription fell to $25, making medicine more affordable. The Guild is calling for the co-payment to be frozen at $25 until 2030.
Professor Trent Twomey, National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia said the reduction was historic, bringing important relief to the cost of living.
"Community pharmacists care for Australians every single day, and we see firsthand the impact that the cost of essential medicines has on their health and wellbeing," said Professor Twomey.
"That's why the Guild and more than 20 leading health and consumer organisations came together to fight for this reduction. Hitting $30 million in savings is a major milestone."
"Prescription prices are now the lowest they have been in 20 years. But we can't stop here. Without a freeze, the co‑payment will begin rising again, putting pressure back on families and those already feeling the cost-of-living squeeze. The government must now commit to freezing the general co‑payment until 2030, just as it has done for concession card holders."
This was the second co-payment reduction in the history of the PBS. Since 2023 Australian's have saved more than $760mn. The co-payment for those with a concession card has already been frozen at $7.70 until 2030. From January 2027 the price of prescriptions for non-concession card holders will begin increasing in line with indexation.
"Community pharmacy is Australia's most accessible and trusted frontline primary healthcare destination. By keeping medicines affordable, we ensure patients can get the treatments they need, when they need them — and avoid unnecessary GP visits and hospital presentations."
