The Gillard government has given itself five days to convince the crossbench senators Steve Fielding (Family First) and Independent Nick Xenophon that its plan to slice $1.9 billion from the pharmaceutical benefits scheme by lowering the cost of drugs and extending compulsory price disclosure is a good idea.

Health Minister Nicola Roxon stated the opposition’s refusal to back the bill was "another example of the Liberals’ irresponsible budget management."

Senator Russell Trood stated the government had negotiated a deal with Medicines Australia while ignoring the Generics Medicines Industry of Australia.

At the National Press Club, Medicines Australia chairman Will Delaat described the negotiations with the government that acted as the foundation for the agreement as a model of "the collaborative and constructive approach to policy development" necessary to safeguard the PBS.