On 23 June 2011 the Senate referred the following matter to the Finance and Public Administration References Committee for inquiry and report by 18 August 2011:
The Government's administration of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), with particular reference to:
(a) the deferral of listing medicines on the PBS that have been recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee;
(b) any consequences for patients of such deferrals;
(c) any consequences for the pharmaceutical sector of such deferrals;
(d) any impacts on the future availability of medicines in the Australian market due to such deferrals;
(e) the criteria and advice used to determine medicines to be deferred;
(f) the financial impact on the Commonwealth Budget of deferring the listing of medicines;
(g) the consultation process prior to a deferral;
(h) compliance with the intent of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with Medicines Australia in May 2010; and
(i) any other related matter.
For further information, contact: Senate Finance and Public Administration Committees
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia