Name: PBS medications set to be capped under government announcement.
Uploaded: 2026-01-01T06:20:05.671Z
Duration: 1 min 54 s
Description: The federal government has pledged to provide cost-of-living relief. Medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be capped at $25 a script, saving consumers more than $200 million.

The federal government has pledged to provide cost-of-living relief. Medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will be capped at $25 a script, saving consumers more than $200 million.

Canberra

The Australian federal government has implemented several measures to address cost of living concerns, including capping the price of medications on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme at $25 per script and providing free public transport for schoolchildren. Additionally, a telehealth mental health service has been launched, and further childcare relief is set to begin on January 5.

However, the new year also brings challenges for the beef industry, as Australian farmers face a 55% tariff on exports to China if quotas are exceeded. The government is in communication with Chinese counterparts and continues to advocate for Australian industry, noting that the tariff is part of a broader Chinese policy.

PBS medications set to be capped under government announcement.

Starting off the new year on the right foot. My government has been determined to deliver on cost of living, making a difference to people as they go forward. The federal government has made their New Year's resolution to give some relief to Aussies. Medications on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme will be capped at $25 per script, saving Aussies more than $200 million and bringing prices down to 2004 levels. Pensioners and concession card holders will only have to pay $7.70 per script. That price locked in until 2030. And a telehealth mental health check has also launched, giving free advice through 1-800-MEDICARE from registered nurses. As a clinician who worked in mental health inpatient units, I saw too many people in distress end up in crisis because they couldn't get support in the community. State governments are also making changes on the first day of 2026. Schoolchildren will now ride for free on all public transport. There can be no more important protective factor and no more important powerful investment than supporting young people getting to school on time to pursue their education. But 2026 is not looking positive for everyone. The beef industry has taken a heavy hit, with Aussie farmers facing a 55% tariff on imports to China if it exceeds a set quota. I'm concerned at those reports because Australian beef is the best beef in the world and our trade with China is important. We are communicating with our counterparts. This is something that wasn't Australia being singled out. This is a general position that China has put. We are advocating, as we always do, for Australian industry. Childcare relief is also set to kick in on Jan 5. Mikaela Fanto, 10 News.

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