NATIONALS’ SUPPORT FOR PHARMACISTS PAYS OFF

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed the $3 billion funding deal between Australian pharmacies and the Labor Government in what seems to be an acknowledgment of Labor’s poorly thought-out 60-day dispensing changes.

 “Pharmacists and their clients across the Riverina and Central West can now rest easier, knowing the Government has finally realised the value and importance the industry provides to regional, remote and rural communities,” Mr McCormack said.

 “After Labor’s reckless 60-day dispensing changes were introduced, which were strongly opposed by The Nationals, up to 665 pharmacies were put at risk of closing as well as thousands of jobs set to be lost — a situation which was disproportionately affecting regional Australia.

 “It was an absolute calamity — and Labor was told by The Nationals and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, before implementing the changes, of the harm it would cause.”

 According to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, using the Modified Monash Model (MMM), a geographical classification system, there are about 560 towns in MMM 3-7 with only one pharmacy, which in many cases is the only frontline health service in town.[1]

 “Unfortunately, so many in the Labor Government have absolutely no understanding of anything outside of the big cities — not appreciating the fact many regional communities were at risk of their sole health professionals going out of business,” Mr McCormack said.

 “It was my duty to speak up in Parliament on behalf of the many pharmacists and clients across the Riverina and Central West who contacted me about their concerns and help deliver them this outcome — an outcome admitting the hurt Labor’s policies have been causing.

 “This $3 billion, invested back into community pharmacies over five years, will go a long way to securing the viability of regional pharmacies into the future.

 “The Nationals will continue to stand with regional Australia to deliver the health outcomes it deserves.”                                                                     

[1] Modified Monash Model Classifications: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/rural-health-workforce/classifications/mmm