No real surprises from Health Minister Sussan Ley at yesterday's 2016 Post Budget Health Briefing in Sydney but she did anticipate a campaign announcement on clinical trials.
The annual event, hosted by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science and sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and Bupa, was held later than usual. It has traditionally been held in Budget week.
Yesterday's event was attended by a large contingent from the life sciences sector.
Ms Ley was speaking after a busy 48 hours during which she announced a compromise deal with Pathology Australia following the controversial cut to the bulk billing incentive and $54 million to enhance access to continuous glucose monitoring for Type 1 diabetics.
In her address, the Minister focussed on the Coalition's performance in health since its election in 2013. She encouraged stakeholder groups to focus on negotiation with government rather than confrontation.
The Minister also said she anticipated making an announcement on clinical trials and providing further detail on the Government’s response to the TGA review during the campaign. The Budget included over $20 million to implement the response but very little detail was provided.
The need for reform of the policy framework for clinical trials remains an ongoing issue, despite bipartisan political support. The Coalition has previously announced $9.9 million for clinical trials reform, including $2.35 million for upgrading the Government's clinical trial website.