THE Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton told attendees at APP2024 today that it's time to celebrate the 36,000 pharmacists and 70,000 staff across more than 5,000 local community pharmacies around Australia.
"The health system collapses without that commitment and that culture of care for your patients," Dutton told the packed room.
"You don't just make up prescriptions, dispense medications and advice about dosages but are often the first port of call for medical care, particularly for older Australians."
He emphasised that pharmacists are the "only presence" in many rural areas where "general practice can't keep up or just isn't there".
"You help clean wounds, deliver immunisations, and manage chronic diseases, and are at the centre of the national character of Australia; so thank you."
Dutton spoke about his personal health struggle with asthma and acknowledged the help he and his family have received from his local pharmacist over the years.
He spoke about the pain of the 60-Day Dispensing and how it was "thrust" onto the profession and that it was "remarkable" how the Guild "stood up and has led, I believe, to a better outcome as a result of the negotiations that have taken place since".
"It takes a lot of guts to stand up as an industry to the government of the day.
"People worry about retribution, further negotiations and what can happen in the future.
"But the Guild is on the right track...stick to your guts, as you are also working in the national interest of your patients," Dutton concluded to huge applause. JG
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