Win for community pharmacies, says Broadbent

The Federal Member for Monash, Russell Broadbent, said the Coalition has secured a win for local pharmacies.

Last week, the government announced it had brought forward the start date of the new Pharmacy agreement, which would include 60-day dispensing and will immediately commence negotiations with the sector.

Mr Broadbent said his party criticised the government for its lack of consultation with pharmacists when it announced the new policy.

“The Coalition strongly supports Australians having access to cheaper medicines,” Mr Broadbent said.

“But for months, we have been calling out the government for their lack of consultation and rushed policy making, which was putting Australian’s healthcare access at risk.

“We have been calling on them to get back to the table with the community pharmacy sector and negotiate an Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement to resolve the legitimate concerns on their approach to 60-day dispensing.”

Mr Broadbent said, “I will not stop fighting for my community and for what is right”.

“I am pleased that the government will enter into discussions with the community pharmacy sector, as we have been calling for.

“Pharmacists play an invaluable role in the provision of primary healthcare to the local community in Monash and I am relieved that their significant concerns may finally be heard and addressed.”