Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Health has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

1) to 9)

Refer to the Assessment Report and Public Summary Document of the November 2011 MSAC meeting, available on the MSAC website at http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/1054.1

10) All other treatments were considered by MSAC. Refer to the Assessment Report and Public Summary Document of the November 2011 MSAC meeting.

11) Services provided by state and territory governments is a matter for them.

12) Private health insurance fund providers make their own business decisions.

13) MSAC's role is to advise on the level and quality of evidence relating to the safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of medical services.

14) In relation to MSAC application1054.1, following a request from the applicant the MSAC reconsidered the application at its meeting of 2 August 2012 and confirmed its previous advice to government, again unanimously. In response to a further request from the applicant, the Department arranged for independent review by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). On 11 October 2012, NHMRC advised the Department that the MSAC process and assessment was sound. The applicants are able to make a new application to the MSAC at any time.