IN HER keynote address to delegates at APP2026, shadow health minister Anne Ruston highlighted the importance of pharmacists to the health system and community more broadly, and congratulated pharmacists for their resilience.
Senator Ruston placed particular emphasis on the current challenges pharmacists face as small businesses.
"I know right now that the role of being in small business is getting tougher and tougher and tougher.
"Across the country, you, like everybody else, are grappling with rising costs, work force shortages, and increasing red tape.
"You're managing increasing rental rates, increasing wages, insurance - and every single one of your inputs is going up at the moment," she stated.
"I acknowledge your resilience in the face of all these challenges."
Senator Ruston highlighted that a strong health system relies on a strong economy, but a strong health system strengthens the economy.
"So that's why it's so important that we get small business right.
"One of the things that defines pharmacy to me is that it doesn't matter how much of a challenge gets put before you, you always seem to rise to it.
"Keep leading, keep innovating, keep advocating, because Australia and Australia's health systems are relying on you."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 16 Mar 26
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