Budget highlights
The federal budget includes several measures to help reduce the impact of cancer in Australia. Here are the highlights:
Cheaper Medicines:
- The government is freezing PBS co-payments, making medications more affordable for everyone. Those on pensions or concession cards will see a 5-year freeze.
- New cancer treatments for breast, endometrial, ovarian cancers, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, and advanced melanoma will be added to the PBS, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs.
Strengthening Medicare:
- More Medicare Urgent Care Clinics will open, providing easier access to treatment for non-emergency cases.
- Funding is allocated to address healthcare worker shortages, including faster registration for international healthcare professionals.
- Funding for more MRI machines and to reduce the out-of-pocket cost for nuclear medical scans .
Investing in Research:
- Funding is allocated to create new research missions that focus on low-survival cancers and reducing health inequalities.
- Funding is provided to streamline clinical trials, making it easier for patients to access potential new treatments.
Mental health:
- A new free digital mental health support service where no referral is required for mild mental health symptoms and treatment.
Other Initiatives:
- A freeze on deeming rates will help pensioners keep more of their income.
- Funding is allocated for skin cancer prevention programs, including a roadmap to create a national melanoma program.
- Cost of living relief package – including tax cuts, energy bill rebate for each household and an increase to rental assistance.
For more details visit https://budget.gov.au/content/overview/download/budget-overview-final.pdf
Our advocacy continues. Whilst this budget is a positive step, we need to keep pushing for change that will reduce cancer risks and improve cancer care.
