THE South Australian Branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia has congratulated Premier Peter Malinauskas and the SA Labor Party on their re-election over the weekend, welcoming the government's ongoing commitment to consolidating community pharmacy's role as a mainstay of the state's healthcare system.
SA branch president Matthew Gillespie said the election result provides "a clear mandate to ensure South Australians have better access to primary healthcare through their trusted community pharmacy".
"The Malinauskas Government understands that modern healthcare must be patient-centered and timely," Gillespie said.
"By supporting pharmacist training and expanding the 24-hour pharmacy network, they are ensuring South Australians receive high-quality care exactly when and where they need it."
The government plans to double the number of pharmacists receiving subsidised expanded scope training, from the 120 announced last year (PD 03 Jun 2025) to 240 practitioners.
In addition, there is targeted support for rural and regional pharmacists, with increased training subsidies of up to $8,500 to account for travel and professional development costs.
"This is about professional empowerment and patient safety," Gillespie said.
"The Guild's ambition is for 80% of community pharmacists and 80% of community pharmacies to be prescribing by 2035 - this will ease the burden on overstretched GPs and provide a more efficient, quality experience for our patients".
The government has also pledged to add three more 24/7 pharmacies, bringing the state's total to seven.
A cabinet reshuffle has seen former education minister Blair Boyer replace Chris Picton as Health Minister. KB
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 26 Mar 26
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 26 Mar 26
