NEXT month's Federal Budget will give a clearer picture of the Albanese Government's priorities when it comes to healthcare, Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Trent Twomey, believes.
Speaking at the Guild's inaugural Pharmacy Industry Roadshow in Sydney earlier this week, Twomey said the new Government would need time to "find their feet".
"To be honest, they're being exceptionally lovely, they're answering all our phone calls, but they haven't had to do anything yet," he said.
"What we're waiting on is to see the whites of their eyes with next month's Budget.
"Really, when you see how somebody spends money you actually start to see where somebody's priorities are.
"It's all very well and good to say you're supportive of a highly skilled, highly trained workforce... well where's the money to upskill pharmacists and pharmacy assistants, so they can be highly skilled, highly trained and highly paid?
"They're saying all the right things, they answer my calls when I call, but I'm looking forward to seeing the Budget."
During the Roadshow event, Twomey outlined the Guild's pre-Budget submission, which included $348 million for a national Opioid Dependence Treatment Program (PD 08 Sep), $201.5 million to support "various initiatives for the pharmacy workforce", and a $1.3 billion investment in "a comprehensive aged care package" to support pharmacies to help patients age "with dignity" in the community.
The Guild's submission also included $35 million for the administration of National Immunisation Program vaccines through community pharmacy, which would be paid through the Pharmacy Programs Administrator.
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