The Queensland Government is concerned about the impact of price disparities in the cost of medical and disability aids and equipment in Australia, particularly in Queensland, and the cost of these items purchased overseas.

What is the inquiry about?

The Government has asked the Queensland Competition Authority to undertake an inquiry into the pricing of medical and disability aids and equipment in Queensland.
They have released an Issues Paper and are seeking public submissions on the issues raised. The paper includes some key questions.
The Issues Paper is available at www.qca.org.au/Investigations/MedicalAids
The review will:

  • document price disparities in the cost of medical and disability aids and equipment between Queensland, other Australian jurisdictions and overseas
  • identify the causes of any price disparities found, including regulatory barriers, price discrimination and market power
  • propose actions that could be taken by Government to address the negative impacts of any price disparities.

How can I make a comment?

Interested parties are invited to provide submissions by 30 September 2013 by emailing medicalaids@qca.org.au
The Authority will consult with interested parties and take account of all submissions received. Further details on the review will be provided on the Authority’s website as the review progresses.
We encourage you to comment on this inquiry and to share this advice with your networks.