Pharmacy Daily | NAPSA will fight on for Prac payments

THE National Australian Pharmacy Students' Association's (NAPSA) new President, Sebastian Harper, (PD breaking news) has committed to continue working with the Federal Government to secure changes to the Commonwealth Prac Payments (PD 13 May).

"NAPSA is now having constructive conversations with the government," Harper told Pharmacy Daily.

"We are moving in the right direction, and we hope to have some exciting news for our members soon."

He mentioned either way, NAPSA "won't stop fighting" for pharmacy and allied health students until it gets its members' support during this cost-of-living crisis.

"Change in this country is always hard-won, so I'm sure it will continue to be an uphill battle to get results.

"But being one of very few national health student bodies, emboldened by our unique network of branches and unprecedented support from the industry, I'm confident we can overcome any challenges that come our way," Harper added.

Further, two announcements were made by NAPSA to demonstrate its commitment to First Nations members and patients, as the first day of the new term coincided with the start of the NAIDOC Week on Sun.

The role of Rural and Indigenous Health Chair will now be an identifying position, requiring candidates to either identify as First Nations or have a background from or live in a rural or remote area.

Additionally, NAPSA wants to establish an Indigenous Health Student Network to support the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, across all health disciplines, to promote self-determination.

"Outside of NAIDOC Week, NAPSA will always advocate for our First Nations members, and I encourage them to apply for future positions so the voices of First Nations leaders are elevated in our organisation," Harper commented.

In addition, he will push to expand membership across NAPSA's 19 branches saying, "the industry can expect even more from me and the executive team over the next 12 months". JG