Labor has written to the Prime Minister urging more action to ensure access to PrEP (Pre-Exposure
Prophylaxis) isn't dependent on where someone lives.

PrEP is being hailed as a game changer with the potential to halt new HIV infections in our lifetime. 

Trials of PrEP have shown it is highly effective at stopping the transmission of HIV. It will play an important part in reaching the goal of no new HIV infections.

While some states are running trials, access to PrEP is still a lottery of location.

There are things that can be done immediately - that's why Labor has written to the Government offering our bipartisan support on a range of measures to improve PrEP access:

• support equitable access to PrEP across Australia by coordinating an expansion of existing state and territory clinical PrEP trials to include all jurisdictions;
  • work with the states and territories to ensure that equitable access to PrEP is available for all Australians at high risk of HIV, including by ensuring that sufficient trial places are available for all those who are eligible;
  • encourage pharmaceutical manufacturers to move ahead with submissions for PrEP listing on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and the PBS; and
  • Should this be the case, encourage manufacturers and the PBAC to work together to move submissions through the PBAC process without undue delays.

Labor has been speaking with  experts across the community who have reiterated the need to ensure those at risk of contracting HIV have access to the protection this drug affords.

If we are committed to the goal of no new HIV infections - something which was once unimaginable - then we need to use every mechanism available to achieve this. 

SATURDAY, 4 MARCH 2017