On 3 December 2014, the Senate referred the following matter to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report:
The availability of new, innovative and specialist cancer drugs in Australia.
The terms of reference are:
- the timing and affordability of access for patients;
- the operation of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in relation to such drugs, including the impact of delays in the approvals process for Australian patients;
- the impact on the quality of care available to cancer patients; and
- any related matters.
Submissions were sought by 27 February 2015. The reporting date is 26 March 2015. On 9 February 2015, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 22 May 2015. On 25 March 2015, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 17 June 2015. On 17 June 2015, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 4 August 2015. On 4 August 2015, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 9 September 2015. On 9 September 2015, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 15 September 2015. On 15 September 2015, the Senate granted an extension of time for reporting until 17 September 2015.