PLANS for a review of pharmacy graduate pay rates under the Pharmacy Industry Award has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the profession at risk of losing talented new pharmacists, Professional Pharmacists Australia (PPA) warns.
Releasing data from its Community and Hospital Pharmacists Employment and Remuneration Report 2019/20, the PPA revealed that pharmacy graduates were "the lowest paid compared to every other profession in Australia", with the average pharmacy graduate earning $49,600 a year, $13,000 less than the median salary for all graduates.
PPA President, Dr Geoff March, said the union had worked with the Fair Work Commission to push for a review of graduate pay under the Award.
"This review of graduate pay, which has been delayed because of COVID-19, has now been initiated and will consider what the appropriate rate of pay is for graduate pharmacists and a wide variety of other professions," he said.
March warned the disparity in starting salaries for new pharmacists compared with remuneration rates enjoyed by graduates in other areas - notably dentistry where the median undergraduate salary was $84,000 - could see the profession miss out on talented individuals in the future.
"Pharmacy graduates are the lowest paid compared to every other profession in Australia and this is a major concern for the future of this vital sector," he said.
"If the pharmacy sector is going to continue to attract the talented graduates it needs to ensure the community is provided with quality services and health care, it's clear we have to provide them with proper pay, decent working conditions and clear opportunities for career progression."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 11 Mar 21
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