Seems like the tl;dr is that profits of pharmacies is the highest priority.

Under the changes to take effect from 1 September, about 6 million Australians will be able to collect two-for-one scripts for 320 common medicines, leading to savings of up to $180 a year for each medicine.

The move will save patients more than $1.6bn over the next four years, but is estimated to cost pharmacies $1.2bn due to less frequent dispensing fees.

The Pharmacy Guild has lobbied intensely against the policy, seeking compensation from the government and warning of staff cuts and fee increases for services such as packing Webster packs for elderly patients.

In in-store campaign material, pharmacists have claimed the policy has contributed to medicine shortages and urged patients to blame the prime minister, Anthony Albanese.

  • vividspecter@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    Update: The senate has voted down the attempt by the Coalition to block the changes, so it will go ahead as planned.

    Although the Coalition is apparently continuing to push this farce:

    McKenzie immediately announced that the Coalition had lodged “another disallowance” motion that could see the measure put to a vote in the week of 4 September.

    • Marin_Rider@aussie.zone
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      1 year ago

      great news. such a stupid thing to try and block especially as the coalition have been crying for the government to ease cost of living pressure