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The federal government will now foot the bill for a cystic fibrosis treatment that would otherwise cost patients up to $250,000 a year, bringing life-saving access within reach for hundreds of Australians from 1 July.

The breakthrough drug Trikafta, described as a “wonder drug” by doctors and patients alike, will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for people with rare and ultra-rare cystic fibrosis gene mutations.

Under the listing, patients will pay just $7.70 with a concession card or $31 (dropping to $25 in January) without one. The remaining cost — hundreds of thousands of dollars annually per person — will be covered by the government.

Health and NDIS Minister Mark Butler said more than 90% of Australians with cystic fibrosis will now have affordable access to the therapy. “We’re talking about transforming and extending lives — sometimes within days,” he said.

Cystic Fibrosis Australia CEO Jo Armstrong called the announcement a “huge win” after years of advocacy. “Many people never imagined they’d live to see this day. Today, hope has become reality,” she said.

The decision places Australia among the global leaders in equitable access to cystic fibrosis care. This is now the case not only for those with common gene types, but also for patients with rare variants who were previously excluded from treatment.

Former Wallaby Nathan Charles, who has cystic fibrosis, described the expansion as a “second chance at life.” During a short trial, his lung function jumped 13% in two days. “The only thing that stopped me from accessing it was the cost. That changes today.”

Yesterday, eSafety Comissioner Julie Inman Grant explained exactly why she’s calling for a ban on social media platforms for young children. “They’re vulnerable,” she told the National Press Club.

abilityNEWS had a simple question. “How about People with Disability? We’re vulnerable too?” She nodded. “Absolutely,” she agreed, but added that this doesn’t mean there are similar plans to restrict access for PwD. The reason for that is simple and technical.

Grant explains it’s comparatively easy to work out the age of somebody using a computer from the way they use the keyboard. And she also explained she’s well aware of the human rights issues that surround people’s right to access the internet.

She’s thought this battle through, and that’s why she’s focusing on children first. Implementing age-based restrictions is achievable.

There are no plans to extend that ban to others. At the moment, anyway.