Inquiry into National Health Amendment (Budget Measures -
Pharmaceutical Benefits Safety Net) Bill 2005
Terms of Reference
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On 5 October 2005 the
Senate, on the recommendation of the Selection of Bills Committee, has
referred the provisions of the above Bill to the Committee for inquiry and
report by 1 November 2005. [On 13 October 2005 the Senate extended
the reporting date to 7 November 2005]
The Bill, Explanatory
Memorandum and Minister's second reading speech may be accessed on the
Internet at
https://www.aph.gov.au/ParlInfo/BillsNet/main.htm
In
recommending the reference of the Bill to the Committee, the Selection of
Bills Committee provided the following issues for consideration.
To examine the provisions of the Bill
relating to increases in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Safety Net thresholds
and new safety net and patient co-payment arrangements for some
pharmaceutical benefits where the pharmaceutical benefit is supplied
within 20 days of a previous supply to determine the implications for
access and equity in relation to medicines for all Australians.
The Senate has given the Committee a very
short timeframe in which to examine the
Bill and invites a short written
submission. Comments should be lodged with the Committee by Wednesday,
12 October 2005. The Committee prefers to receive
submissions electronically as an
attached document – email:
community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au – otherwise by fax (number
02 6277 5829).
The Committee intends to hold a public
hearing on the Bill on either Thursday, 13 or Friday,
14 October 2005.
For further information, contact:
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia