The final report of this study was released on 20 July 2001. On 1 September 2000 the Productivity Commission was asked by the Commonwealth Government to undertake a research study to examine the differences between the prices of pharmaceutical benefit items in Australia and the prices of the same items in comparable countries. About this study Through the Assistant Treasurer, the Department of Health and Aged Care and the Department of Industry, Science and Resources sought the Productivity Commission's assistance in undertaking a research study of pharmaceutical prices. The objective of the study, which is not a formal public inquiry, is to examine the differences between the prices of pharmaceutical benefit items in Australia and the prices of the same items in comparable overseas countries, and to identify as far as possible the reasons for any differences.
Further details are available in the terms of reference.