COALITION FIGHTS FOR PHARMACIST INPUT

Pharmacists will now have their voices heard after months of advocacy from the Coalition and Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox.

Frontline workers facing the consequences of the Albanese Labor Government’s approach to 60-day dispensing have finally been granted consultation, with the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement discussions being brought forward.

The announcement was a welcomed change of tack from the government after its lack of industry consultation, rushed policy-making, and subsequent risks to Australians’ access to healthcare.

Mr Willcox said bringing the agreement forward was a step closer to protecting local pharmacies, patients, and our local communities.

“Pharmacists play an invaluable role in the provision of primary healthcare and the proposed 60-day dispensing laws would threaten this access to healthcare, threaten thousands of jobs, and put our communities at risk,” Mr Willcox said.

“The Coalition strongly supports Australians having access to cheaper medicines and we believe in finding a way that is suitable for pharmacies, and safe for patients.

“Under what the Labor Government were proposing, there was real concern that we could see a spike in medication mismanagement, which could potentially result in accidental overdoses.

“I support the Albanese Labor Government’s change of decision to actually talk to the people this bill will impact the most, which we have been calling for for months.”

The community pharmacy discussions need to take place “as soon as possible” so that concerns may finally be heard and addressed.

“I’m proud of the pressure we’ve put on the Government to do the right thing, and we now implore them to enter into the upcoming negotiations in good faith.”