THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia has announced the establishment of the First Nations Pharmacy Network, which is to be led by Linda Burney, a proud Wiradjuri woman and former Minister for Indigenous Australians.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in the Guild's Indigenous health strategy, which aims to embed cultural safety, amplify community voices, and improve health outcomes for First Nations communities across Australia.
"We know there can be no Closing the Gap without collaboration," said Professor Trent Twomey, Guild National President.
"With the expert guidance of Linda Burney as Chair, we are committed to ensuring culturally safe, accessible, and community-led care remains at the heart of our sector."
The initiative comes as pharmacists prepare to take on a greater role in primary care through expanded scope and pharmacist prescribing, particularly in rural and remote communities.
Burney said she is "honoured to Chair the First Nations Pharmacy Network".
"This initiative reflects the power of genuine partnership and the importance of embedding cultural safety in every part of our health system," she stated.
"We don't have to choose between practical and symbolic reconciliation - we can and must do both."
Burney observed that community pharmacies are trusted, accessible entry points to the health system, empowering informed decision-making and active participation.
The approach values cultural knowledge and community leadership, she said, with pharmacist-owned pharmacies working in true partnership with those they serve.
"By respecting and elevating the voices and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we strengthen self-determination and uphold the principles at the heart of Closing the Gap," Burney concluded. KB
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