Political
$76m boost for mental health support
Government promises funding for expanded mental health services including free counselling for bushfire-affected people and training for frontline personnel including pharmacists Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced an initial $76 …
New legislation to better detect PBS fraud
A bill is being considered to give the government more powers to investigate PBS and MBS fraud, including claims for medicines that have not been supplied Health Minister Greg Hunt …
‘This bill won’t fix the crisis.’
Bill to reduce PBS safety net thresholds from 1 January 2020 has now passed both Houses, but Labor criticises government on medicines costs The National Health Amendment (Safety Net Thresholds) …
‘Pharmacists are not practising to the full extent of their training.’
Profession’s role discussed as $1 million funding announced for community pharmacists in drought-stricken regional areas to deliver mental health support The role of community pharmacists in mental health care has …
Health Minister under fire over PBS listings
Greg Hunt criticised in mainstream media over medicines that have not been subsidised – but he emphasises the government cannot compel sponsors to list medicines on PBS “Tens of thousands …
Pharmacists ‘crucial’ to the healthcare team
Doctors and nurses join forces in call for investment into aged care services, but pharmacists need to be added to the conversation The Australian Medical Association (AMA), jointly with the …
PBS dispensing a ‘very effective’ public-private partnership?
Call for Federal, State and Territory governments to work together to promote pharmacists’ role, and ‘nurture’ the 5700-strong community pharmacy network The PBS is a strong system of universal access …
Change at the top
A new Opposition Health spokesperson is set to take on Greg Hunt There is change in the Health portfolio for the Federal Opposition, with new ALP leader Anthony Albanese announcing …
Yes Minister, again
Greg Hunt to retain Health portfolio as pharmacy enters 7CPA negotiations Incumbent Health Minister Greg Hunt has retained the portfolio as reelected Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed his new cabinet …
Guild admits it was ‘blindsided’ by PSA signatory announcement
It was also ‘perplexed’ about the Health Minister’s decision to announce dual listing of medicines without consultation There has been a concerning lack of consultation regarding significant decisions that have …
OTC meds on the agenda
In the lead up to the Federal election, ASMI has called for a greater investment in improving health literacy and increasing access to non-prescription medicines The Australian Self Medication Industry …
A welcome pre-election promise
The ALP has promised to create a “small claims jurisdiction” making it easier to recover lost wages up to $100,000 if it wins this Federal election, says pharmacists’ union Labor …