The Access to Medicines Working Group (AMWG) met on 23 April 2026. Attendees included representatives from Medicines Australia (MA), the pharmaceutical industry and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the Department).
The AMWG received an update on the Department’s 24-month review of the Minimum Stockholding Requirements (MSR), including its effectiveness in reducing medicine shortages for products subject to the requirements and in managing short-term supply shocks. The update also covered opportunities to streamline MSR administration and the potential application of the framework to a broader range of critical medicines.
The AMWG discussed ongoing pressures on medicine supply chains. The Department advised that, in response to the situation in the Middle East, the National Incident Centre was activated in March 2026 and is operating as the central coordination point for health crisis management. Jurisdictional representatives are also being engaged actively, including in relation to medical supply levels in public hospitals.
The AMWG considered the Department’s Exchange and Sharing of Information Pilot report and acknowledged the range of views expressed. MA and the Department agreed to continue working together to discuss the next steps for this process.
The AMWG noted that the annual review of the PBS cost recovery charges resulted in no change to fees for 2026–27, and that a draft 2026–27 PBS Cost Recovery Implementation Statement will be released for public consultation. MA emphasised the importance of certainty and predictability in cost recovery arrangements.
The AMWG noted progress under the 2022–27 Strategic Agreement including in relation to the HTA Policy and Methods Review; horizon scanning activities; special pricing arrangements and associated invoicing matters; and risk sharing arrangements and ongoing policy development work. The Department and MA reaffirmed their commitment to continuing work together to implement the Strategic Agreement.
The AMWG is scheduled to reconvene in October 2026.