Government health officials are facing heavy critique after a campaign to overhaul their Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing policy. Numerous consumer and patient groups voiced their concerns that vital medication would not be listed anymore because of the excessive costs they might be incurring.

Representatives of groups like the Consumers Health Forum, Medicines Australia, the Australian Medical Association and the Generics Medicines Industry Association said that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee would be the authority best equipped to decide which medication should be listed. Ken Harvey from LaTrobe University even called the new regulations an `an unholy alliance’ between health professionals and the industry.

Health Minister, Nicola Roxon said that the government had to distribute funds among the different areas demanding public spending. While the Australian Cabinet has always had the legal authority to veto medication listing, it has only done so twice in the past – in the cases of Viagra and Nicotine Patches – and caused public outrage both times.

Protesters pointed out that the investment in good medications would save the government funds, not only concerning services in the medical sector but also in all other areas of public life. A healthier public would lead to an increased workforce, increased GPD and increased tax incomes. They said that discontinued funding of medication to achieve a short term budget saving was the wrong way to go for the Australian government.