Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I can say that the government remains committed to working with community pharmacies in ensuring that they continue to provide the full suite of services to Australians. They are a vital part of Australia's health system, and we want them to do more, not less. But we cannot ignore the expert advice that has come to us that says that six million Australians could save hundreds of dollars a year if their doctor approves them having a 60-day supply of their medicines. There are a range of health groups that support this. The government is keen to work with community pharmacies as we implement it. In fact, that's why it is having a staged implementation, with medicines coming in and joining that list over the next 12 months. We will continue to work with all involved to make sure that the implementation of this is smooth and, where we can provide those investments back in, particularly to rural and regional pharmacies— (Time expired)