Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025
Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (10:01): To continue the remarks that I commenced last night—the matters contemplated by the legislation before the Senate have been considered since 2017 by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. The board and the chief nursing and midwifery officers have conducted extensive research and consultation on nurse prescribing models.
The NMBA developed the standard for designated registered nurse prescribers through multiple rounds of public consultation. The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator O'Sullivan ): Sorry, Minister; I'll just get you to pause. Colleagues, I'm struggling to hear the minister speak.
Can I ask—if you are wanting conversations to continue, please do that outside. Thank you, Minister. Back to you.
Senator McALLISTER: During these multiple rounds of public consultation, the standards for designated registered nurse prescribers received strong support. All health ministers endorsed the Scheduled Medicines Standard, which came into effect in September 2025, with the first cohort of nurses expected to complete their education and receive endorsement by July 2026.
By enabling designated registered nurse prescribing under the PBS, the bill supports safe, timely and affordable access to medicines. Registered nurses can already prescribe. This bill that we contemplate today enables them to prescribe under the PBS.
That improves affordability for consumers. It enables registered nurses to better meet community health needs and strengthens the health system by addressing workforce shortages and building long-term capacity and sustainability. As with other prescribers, the list of medicines able to be prescribed under the PBS by a designated registered nurse prescriber will be considered by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
This reform aligns with the objectives of the National Medicines Policy. It promotes equitable, affordable and timely access to high-quality medicines and related services. It supports the government's commitment to deliver cheaper medicines to the Australian community.
The bill also amends the Health Insurance Act 1973 to ensure that nurses prescribing under the PBS are subjected to the Professional Services Review scheme. This peer-review mechanism safeguards the integrity of the PBS and other Commonwealth programs. Designated registered nurse prescribers must maintain an active prescribing agreement with an authorised health practitioner, like a medical practitioner or a nurse practitioner, ensuring appropriate oversight and collaboration in care delivery.
I note there are a number of second reading amendments that have been proposed, and I will address those briefly. The government will not be supporting Senator Ruston's amendment 3770. I can indicate that the final report from the scope-of-practice review was released in late 2024, alongside three other Strengthening Medicare reviews, and that included the General Practice Incentives Review, the After Hours Review and the Working Better for Medicare Review.
The department is providing coordinated advice on all four reviews. An expert panel has been established to support this process, comprising primary-care sector representatives. Advice on all four reviews will be provided to government.
Comprehensive action will be considered based on advice on all four reviews. Similarly, in relation to Senator Steele-John's amendment, the government will not be supporting that amendment either. The government is committed to supporting access to health and affordable medicines and enabling health professionals to work to their optimal scope of practice safely.
In the matters before the chamber today, there has been extensive consultation, and that same consultation and careful planning has not yet occurred for podiatrists. Senators, I commend the bill before you. These are important reforms that will improve access and equitable access to health care in our country.
The PRESIDENT: The question is the second reading amendment as moved by Senator Ruston be agreed to.