THIS week, sweeping changes saw the Pharmacy Guild of Australia state elections vote in five CAPS candidates in NSW, sending a clear message that voters want a new style of leadership (PD 30 May).
"I have taken it as a message from the pharmacists of NSW that they want change and they want active people who won't fall asleep at the helm," CAPS member Christine Kelly told Pharmacy Daily.
Kelly was voted in with 40 votes, nine more than the defeated incumbent NSW Guild Vice President Adele Tahan.
Also voted out was NSW Guild President David Heffernan, who lost by three votes (32 to 35) to CAPS member Emil Demyane.
With NSW having over one third of the national Guild membership, Kelly questioned why the state is not at the forefront of innovation for expanding to full scope.
"Why should we be lacking in any opportunities?" she questioned.
Kelly will advocate for community pharmacy and address remuneration for pharmacists.
"We know why we exist, and we know what we can provide for the community, now we [need to] make sure that everyone else knows," Kelly asserted.
"First and foremost, it's a period of rebuilding and repairing and showing our strength together with other allied health professionals, starting with the GPs."
Other CAPS members and clear winners include Sunit Ruparelia and Silva Destro.
Uncontested CAPS winner Peppe Raso told Pharmacy Daily that the ownership issues and Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) payments all need to be addressed.
"It's a historic win where CAPS members have gotten themselves into the Guild," he added.
"We got the government to the table (PD 18 Aug 2023) as pharmacists needed to be heard, and now we are looking for stability and a united front for NSW." JG
Pictured (L-R): Silva Destro, Emil Demyane, Christine Kelly, Sunit Ruparelia and Peppe Raso.
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