Health Minister’s HTA reform pledge branded progress but patients warn bureaucracy is still costing lives

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has moved to address growing pressure over Health Technology Assessment (HTA) reforms, announcing a suite of actions at Medicines Australia’s PharmAus event last night. The announcement comes after weeks of escalating criticism from the Opposition, Senators, and Independent MPs.

In response to the Implementation Advisory Group’s (IAG) interim report, the government will commence consultation on trialling new pathways to streamline the assessment of medicines. A rolling review of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) guidelines will also begin, with comparator selection and discount rate flagged as immediate priorities.

Other measures include commissioning rapid research into areas of high unmet clinical need and high added therapeutic value and developing an HTA stakeholder engagement framework, with emphasis on strengthening consumer and patient involvement. In addition, bi-annual stakeholder meetings will be held to specifically consider medicines for First Nations people.

While welcomed as glacial-pace progress, questions remain about timelines, resourcing, and the government’s commitment to practical implementation. As one cancer patient, Maria, told delegates at PharmAus: “No one should have to fight bureaucracy while fighting for their life.”

The IAG’s interim report, led by Chair Professor Andrew Wilson, represents what he described as “ongoing commitment of all members to deliver high quality advice that speaks to the priorities you [Minister Butler] identified in your letter of 27 February 2025.”

Professor Wilson stressed the importance of transparency, noting “Recognising the high-profile nature of HTA reform…I understand that stakeholders remain actively engaged in the IAG’s work and are keen to have visibility of the Interim Report.”

Professor Wilson added, “I am confident that the early commencement of some, or all, of these actions would leave the Government well-placed to respond to the IAG’s final advice.”

“We started this process two years ago and we must now get work underway and generate momentum. For patients, patient advocacy groups and clinicians, it is essential we urgently get on with HTA reform and make the PBS faster, fairer and fit for the future. The actions announced by the Minister are a start as we progress a reform package for 2026-27 Federal Budget consideration,” said Liz de Somer, CEO Medicines Australia.

The IAG draft implementation roadmap is due by mid to late September, followed by a consultation on the draft in October. A final report to the government is anticipated in January 2026.

In reimagining healthcare across the entire patient journey, Health Industry Hub^TM is the only one-stop-hub uniting the diversity of the Pharma, MedTech, Diagnostics & Biotech sectors to inspire meaningful change.

The Health Industry Hub^TM content is copyright protected. Access is available under individual user licenses. Please click here to subscribe and visit T&Cs here.