DAN REPACHOLI MP, SPECIAL ENVOY FOR MEN’S HEALTH:
It’s a pleasure to be here today. This is an exciting day for people living with chronic liver disease.
Across Australia, many people have been struggling with this condition for a long time, but today, thanks to the Albanese Labor Government, we’ve got a new drug, Iqirvo, added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
This is a real game changer for people living with primary biliary cholangitis, giving them access to treatment that was previously out of reach. Without the PBS, this medicine would cost patients more than $70,000 a year. Now, it will cost no more than $31.60 per script, or $7.70 for concession card holders.
From 1 January next year, that general PBS price will drop even further to $25, the lowest it’s been in over 20 years, and concession cardholders will stay locked in at $7.70 until 2030.
This is about giving Australians access to life-changing medicines at a price they can afford. The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on what we said we’d do, making medicines cheaper and healthcare fairer.
Primary biliary cholangitis affects the bile ducts in the liver. It can lead to severe itching, fatigue, and even liver failure if untreated. Iqirvo helps by reducing inflammation and improving how bile flows through the liver, helping patients feel better, regain energy, and live longer, healthier lives.
Dr Rohit Gupta, a hepatologist at Sunshine University Hospital, said medicines like Iqirvo can truly change lives, helping patients get their energy back and live the way they want to. That’s what this is all about, helping Australians live healthier, happier, longer lives.
JOURNALIST: You mentioned some savings. How expensive was this drug before the PBS?
REPACHOLI: It used to cost around $70,000 a year, so this really is a game changer for patients. That’s now brought down to about $31.60, or $7.70 for concession cardholders, under the PBS.
JOURNALIST: How does the drug actually work?
REPACHOLI: Iqirvo helps reduce inflammation by improving bile flow through the liver. It’s a breakthrough treatment that can give patients their lives back.
JOURNALIST: What are some of the factors that can lead to developing this disease?
REPACHOLI: There are a few contributing factors, but for those already living with chronic liver disease, this new treatment offers real hope. It helps them live longer, healthier lives with their families. Australians deserve that, and that’s what we’re here to deliver.
JOURNALIST: Is this something that affects men more than women?
REPACHOLI: It affects everyone, men and women. This is about making sure all Australians get access to the care and treatments they need.
JOURNALIST: Can we expect more changes coming through the PBS soon?
REPACHOLI: The PBS is always being updated. There are many medicines currently being assessed for listing, and every MP regularly meets with different companies putting forward new treatments. It’s all about making sure the system works for patients and for the future of Australian healthcare.
JOURNALIST: What lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of liver disease?
REPACHOLI: Look, we all know the basics: eating well, exercising, and taking care of ourselves. We’re not all perfect, but doing our best to stay healthy helps. Sometimes genetics aren’t on our side, so it’s about doing what we can to look after our health.
JOURNALIST: Do you know how many people are affected by this disease, particularly in the Hunter?
REPACHOLI: I don’t have Hunter-specific numbers today, but we do know this affects many Australians nationwide. The key is that now they’ve got access to an affordable treatment that can change their lives.
JOURNALIST: You spoke in parliament this week about net zero and coal. How long do you expect coal mining to continue in the Hunter, and how do you plan to offset those emissions?
REPACHOLI: I’ve said this many times. While people want to buy our coal, we’ll continue to supply it. The Hunter produces some of the cleanest coal in the world, mined under strong workplace and environmental standards. We’ll continue backing our miners and their families. The world will transition over time, but while there’s demand, we’ll supply it.
JOURNALIST: If Tomago Aluminium were to close, what impact would that have on the Hunter coal industry?
REPACHOLI: Around 93% of our coal is exported, and only 7% is used locally for power generation. So, closures like that wouldn’t dramatically change demand. That said, Tomago Aluminium employs around 1,200 people directly and supports about 5,000 more. We need to make sure Rio Tinto stays at the table and works with the community to secure those jobs and keep aluminium production going in the Hunter for decades to come.
JOURNALIST: How can Australia convince the world it’s serious about hosting COP31 if the Prime Minister isn’t attending?
REPACHOLI: I’ll leave that to Chris Bowen and Anthony Albanese. Chris has been leading that work for a long time, and both he and Josh Wilson will be attending COP. The Prime Minister’s been representing Australia strongly across the globe, from ASEAN to APEC, and he’s working hard in our national interest.
JOURNALIST: The Coalition looks set to dump its net zero target. What does that say about their commitment to climate action?
REPACHOLI: That’s up to them. We’ll stay focused on what matters, reducing emissions, creating jobs, and protecting the future. The Albanese Government has already set clear targets, cutting emissions by up to 70% by 2035, and we’re backing Australians every step of the way.
JOURNALIST: Some might say dropping net zero could be well received in coal regions like the Hunter.
REPACHOLI: I talk to a lot of miners, and they know climate change is real. They also know we can reach net zero while continuing mining in Australia. It’s about being smart, using technology, investing in clean energy, and managing that transition properly.
JOURNALIST: The latest Newspoll shows the Coalition would need a million more first-preference votes just to match their last election result. Is that good news for Labor?
REPACHOLI: I don’t pay much attention to polls. If I did, I probably wouldn’t be here. I would’ve lost my seat twice already. Polls come and go. What matters is doing the job, delivering for Australians, and making sure this country keeps moving forward.