AustraliaOne Nation expresses concern over subsidized prescription medicines (PBS drugs) being sold on the black market, citing it as part of broader Medicare 'rorts'. Research indicates that approximately 5% of Australians aged 14 and over used medications for non-medical purposes in the past year, with opioids, steroids, stimulants, and sedatives being commonly abused. While there is evidence of misuse and associated health risks, including overdose and drug-related deaths, precise figures on the scale of the black market remain elusive. A 2023 government-commissioned report estimated annual Medicare fraud and non-compliance could cost between $1.5 billion and $3 billion, though it did not specifically quantify PBS-related fraud. Experts note that while non-medical opioid use is a growing concern, Australia's strict pharmaceutical regulations limit the extent of the issue compared to countries like the U.S.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information from various authoritative sources without overtly favoring any political stance. It discusses the issue of PBS drug misuse and black market sales as a complex, multifaceted problem with both statistical evidence and expert commentary. While the article highlights a
