THERE appears to be strong bipartisan support for the current community pharmacy model in Australia, with shadow health minister Catherine King telling APP delegates the Labor Party is "acutely aware of the important role community pharmacy plays in the health of our communities".
Speaking on Fri morning, King confirmed the ALP's support for the "current system of community pharmacy, including pharmacy ownership by pharmacists, as the best means to achieve a well-distributed network of pharmacies providing professional advice and support".
She also said a future Labor government would honour the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement and conduct "early and inclusive negotiations towards the Seventh CPA" - hinting at a wider involvement in the 7CPA from other parties because the agreements increasingly affect other parts of the health sector.
King promised an ALP government would "negotiate an unambigous deal and honour it" - noting the current disputes and delays on some items in the 6CPA.
She said while the Labor Party was interested to see the findings of the current Review of Pharmacy Remuneration and Regulation, these would be "just one consideration" in negotiations.
Catherine King is pictured above with Pharmacy Guild president George Tambassis.
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