Division
Jenny McAllister 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. Matt 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. Jenny 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 medicine
Senate, 2026-07-01. affirmative: ayes 33, noes 19.
Question
Jenny McAllister 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. Matt 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. Jenny 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 medicine
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