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Referral of inquiry

On 16 June 2010, the Senate referred the National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) Bill 2010 to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 26 August 2010.

The bill seeks to amend the National Health Act 1953 in relation to:

• price reductions for certain drugs listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme;
  
  
• price disclosure arrangements; and
  
  
• the collection of under co-payment data.

The bill also seeks to make consequential amendments to the Health Insurance Act 1973 and the Medicare Australia Act 1973.

Conduct of inquiry

In accordance with usual practice, the inquiry was advertised in The Australian and on the Internet inviting submissions by 20 August 2010. The committee also wrote directly to a number of organisations and individuals inviting submissions to the inquiry.

The committee received eight submissions. The committee appreciates the contribution of those that made submissions to this inquiry. These submissions will be tabled in the Senate.

Conclusion

On 19 July 2010, the Governor-General prorogued the 42nd Parliament and dissolved the House of Representatives. After due consideration, the committee has resolved not to continue its inquiry into the bill. If the bill is reintroduced in the new parliament, the Senate may again refer it to the committee for inquiry.

Senator Claire Moore
Chair

For further information, contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia

Phone:	+61 2 6277 3515
Fax:	+61 2 6277 5829
Email:	community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au

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