We can’t let the rising costs of living prevent more Australians from accessing their essential medicines.

On 1 January, the Government will raise the price consumers have to pay for medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

As if we haven’t had it tough enough over the last five years, the rising cost of living is causing Australians to choose between their health and other essentials like petrol, groceries and rent. And Australians are tired of this.

In fact, according to the ABS, more than 1.1 million people delayed or didn’t fill a prescription due to cost in 2022-23. That number has increased over the past 5 years.

Unless we take immediate steps towards addressing the increasing out-of-pocket cost of prescription medicines, over 19 million Australians will face an increased financial burden directly affecting their health.

Sign our petition now to tell the Government to lower the cost of prescription medicines today.

Sign our petition now to tell the Government to lower the cost of prescription medicines today.


On 1 January, the Government raised the price consumers have to pay for medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This cost, called a co-payment, has doubled since 2000.

As if we haven’t had it tough enough over the last two years, the rising cost of living is causing Australians to choose between their health and other essentials like petrol, groceries and rent.

Already 20 per cent of people aged 18 to 64 say they find prescription medicines to be unaffordable. In fact, according to the ABS, more than 900,000 of us delayed or didn’t fill a prescription due to cost in 2019-20.

Unless we take immediate steps towards addressing the increasing out-of-pocket cost of prescription medicines, over 19 million Australians will face an increased financial burden directly affecting their health.