Role
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Remuneration Tribunal (PBRT) is an independent statutory body established under section 98A of the National Health Act 1953.
Its main function is to determine how much the Australian Government pays pharmacists for dispensing medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
This includes fees for:
- dangerous drugs
- administration and infrastructure
- performing other functions outlined in the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement.
Terms of reference
The terms of reference for this tribunal are listed in the National Health Act 1953.
Members
The National Health Act requires that the tribunal consists of:
- a chairperson appointed by the Governor-General
- 4 additional members appointed by the Minister for Health and Aged Care on a part-time basis.
It also requires that the chairperson shall hold office as a deputy president of the Fair Work Commission.
At least one additional member must have been, but is no longer, engaged directly or indirectly in community pharmacy. The Minister for Health appoints this member after consultation with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
| Member | Background and experience |
| Chairperson Ms Judith Wright | Ms Wright is a Deputy President of the Fair Work Commission. She has extensive experience in workplace relations, community law and private legal practice. |
| Mrs Meneesha Michalka | Mrs Michalka is the Principal of a law firm with extensive qualifications and experience in regulatory law and health policy. |
| Mrs Wendy Phillips | Mrs Phillips is a former executive director of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (retired) and is the community pharmacy representative on the Tribunal. |
| Professor Rosalie Viney | Professor Viney has extensive experience and professional qualifications in health economics and population health research. |
| Vacant position | One position remains vacant. |
Meetings
The tribunal meets at least once a year. Additional meetings are held if needed.
Meeting summaries
There are no meeting summaries for this tribunal. Its work relates to the establishment of, and updates to, the following determinations made under subsection 98B(1) of the National Health Act 1953:
- Commonwealth Price (Pharmaceutical Benefits Supplied by Approved Pharmacists) Determination 2020; and
- National Health (Additional Community Supply Support Payment) Determination 2024.
Contact
