A supplementary letter of support from the Labor Party has been received by the Pharmacy Guild, reaffirming the ALP's community pharmacy commitment.
Guild National President, George Tambassis, sought the additional communication because of developments since a previous ALP letter of support was received in Mar this year - in particular the Government's aborted attempt to increase prescription quantities.
Opposition leader, Bill Shorten and Shadow Health Minister, Catherine King both signed the new letter to Tambassis, which promises that "a Shorten Labor Government will work with you and your members collaboratively on the development of the 7th Community Pharmacy Agreement and its implementation.
"Labor was surprised and disappointed by the Liberals' recent attempt to double the prescription volume of common drugs without any consultation with the Guild.
"Regardless of the competing views on this proposal, seeking to implement it during the term of the 6th CPA without discussion with the Guild is demonstrably against the letter and spirit of that Agreement," Shorten and King wrote.
They contrasted this with Labor's approach to policy development and "the way we have developed relationships with valued stakeholders like the Guild.
"We look forward to working with you if elected at this Saturday's election," the letter concludes.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 15 May 19
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 15 May 19
