Government initiatives in the development of a pharmaceutical industry in Australia.

Government policy recognizes that the purchasing power of the government, through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, has suppressed prices and returns to the pharmaceutical industry in Australia, and that research, development and export activities have been low. The factor (f) scheme is designed to provide some pricing relief to those companies willing and able to undertake particular industry development activities. This scheme, together with the other changes implemented by the government, will result in the restructuring and development of the pharmaceutical industry in Australia.