PUBLIC disclosures to the Government's Registered Organisations Commission have revealed payments to Pharmacy Guild of Australia office bearers, including a total of more than $1 million received by five members of the Guild's National Council.
The figures, which were initially highlighted in The Australian, include 2019/20 remuneration of $394,720 for National President George Tambassis, along with a further $11,716 in non-cash benefits including conference attendance costs for his spouse, vehicle tolls, car wash charges and in-room movies.
Trent Twomey was paid $222,261 during the year for his role as Guild National Vice President, along with a further $150,585 for his position as Queensland Branch President.
Other National Vice Presidents on the top five list included John Dowling who received $218,009 from head office, plus a further $32,428 from the Tasmanian Branch; Nick Panayiaris with National Councillor income of $174,498 along with $79,733 for his role as SA Branch President; and NT Branch President Terry Battalis, with $51,105 from his national role but nothing from the NT position.
Similar disclosures were made for each individual state and territory branch, including Vic Branch President Anthony Tassone, paid $167,070 along with Committee colleagues Angelo Pricolo at $50,330 and Paul Krassasris who was paid $45,960.
Recently re-elected NSW Branch President David Heffernan was paid $158,883 for the period 19 Oct 2019-30 Jun 2020, the returns reveal, while ACT Branch President Simon Blacker received remuneration of $35,383 and WA Branch President Andrew Ngeow was paid $115,463.
The documents also detail the Guild's finances, with total income of $37.6 million and a $1 million deficit for the 12 months to 30 Jun.
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