Political
Let’s get things moving
Health Minister to pressure states to expedite real-time monitoring plans Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says he will “shortly be writing to all of the states” to encourage them to …
A bright new day
Guild welcomes removal of location rules sunset clause as PBS bill passes lower house The amended PBS bill, to which a number of Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement-linked initiatives were tied, …
In the name of democracy
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has emerged again as one of the biggest political donors among healthcare stakeholders Recently released figures from the Australian Electoral Commission reveal that the Guild …
Cabinet changes
New Ministers appointed to health, business portfolios Some new faces will be occupying ministerial positions in portfolios of relevance to community pharmacy after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced his Cabinet …
A call for change
Pilots in minor ailments and mental health, and 7-day hospital pharmacy services, are included in PSA and SHPA’s pre-budget submissions for 2018-19 The PSA and SHPA have this week released …
Random drug testing trials spiked
The controversial welfare policy has been reportedly scrapped as key Senators and MPs ruled out supporting the scheme Social Services Minister Christian Porter has told The Australian he will be removing …
Last call for penalty rates quashed
Pollies have called on the government to abandon cuts to penalty rates in an amendment that was lost in Parliament by 5 votes The debate over cuts to penalty rates …
Fact Check: Do unemployed Aussies use more illicit drugs?
The Federal Government is at odds with health groups, community organisations and the Opposition, when it comes to claims about unemployed Australians and drug use From the beginning of 2018, …
“Savings through pharmacists’ dispensing”
The government’s agreement with the Guild has allowed reinvestment in the medicines sector, says Health Minister Greg Hunt Guaranteeing the MBS and the PBS is the first “pillar” of the …
Real-time script monitoring laws pass Parliament
The Victorian government has passed legislation to allow a mandatory prescription monitoring system to roll out by 2018 The Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Real-time Prescription Monitoring) Bill 2017, …
Promoters pull plug on pill testing trial
After years of planning, negotiation and confirmation, trial organisers found out they had been dropped over social media… what happened? Festival promoters have decided to drop a pill testing trial …