Pharmacy Daily | Raising funds for next Canberra rally

THE Community And Pharmacy Support Group (CAPS) is attempting to raise funds to hold their next rally against the 60-Day Dispensing policy, in Canberra at Parliament House, on 04 Sep.

The rally called #TheTruthCampaign, follows the 'Walk for Awareness' held on 17 Aug in Sydney (PD 18 Aug), attended by approximately 1,500 people, including the Deputy Opposition Leader MP Sussan Ley and State NSW Shadow Minister for Health Matt Kean (pictured right).

CAPS group representative Emil Demyane, who owns an independent pharmacy, announced that the CAPS group won't stop until the Government pauses and consults with the sector.

"We ask that the Government pause and consult with us on the 60-Day Dispensing policy and work with us on implementing a new Community Pharmacy Agreement."

"There is a way to deliver cheaper medicines to everyone - not just a few," said Demyane.

"The Labor Government says this policy will benefit six million people, but the question should be which six million?

"Under double dispensing, those who really need cost-of-living relief will not get it."

CAPS group representative Christine Kelly, also an independent pharmacy owner, says that women are set to lose the most under the 60-Day Dispensing policy.

"Most job losses caused by the 60-Day Dispensing policy will be women who have entered the industry as they need the flexibility.

"Talking to other pharmacy owners, shifts are already being cut and hours of operation reduced as we can't afford the wages with the loss of revenue," Kelly added.

The Canberra rally will happen at Federation Mall (Parliament House), and independent pharmacies are being asked to contribute to the cause to help pay for buses to the event from surrounding cities and the Canberra airport, marketing materials and event coordination, Kelly said.

"This is a small outlay to help rectify a policy that has a devastating impact on our industry.

"If we can get the Labor Government back to the drawing board we can save pharmacies from closing, prevent job losses and continue to provide a high level of care for our communities.

"The money donated is being tracked and recorded by a bookkeeper, as we are all just volunteers," Kelly explained.