Coalition Brokers $3 Billion In Deal Between Community Pharmacies and Labor Government

Months after its reckless and unprecedented attack on regional and community pharmacies, the Federal Labor Government has been forced to make a $3 billion concession, thanks to a sustained Coalition campaign in support of regional Australian families and their businesses.

The Federal Coalition has successfully helped to obtain an extra $3 billion in funding for pharmacies, in a deal struck between pharmacists and the Labor Government, following changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which included the controversial change to 60-day dispensing.

Sunshine Coast MP, Andrew Wallace said that the ‘peace deal’ would help regional communities like those across the Sunshine Coast, who are set to be most impacted. Mr Wallace said that Labor’s ill-thought-out changes to the PBS were always going to have unintended consequences for communities, families, and businesses in Fisher.

“We are absolutely pleased with this outcome, after standing shoulder to shoulder with local community pharmacists in communities across Fisher where people continue to struggle against an intransigent Labor Government,” Mr Wallace said.

“The LNP is proud to back community pharmacists because we know that they are, in many cases, the last line for access to vital healthcare and medical support for local families in need.”

“The PBS changes came without warning and without the support of the sector in another example of the Labor Government’s “policy-on-the-run” approach when it comes to healthcare and business regulation.”

“Labor didn’t give any thought to the long-term implications for regional Australians, and the ramifications of these changes on Australians at their most vulnerable, who would struggle to find a community pharmacy able to stock the medicine required.”

“The Coalition has proven to be the party of better healthcare access. We subsidised thousands of medicines, strengthened Medicare, and backed regional GPs and pharmacists. While Labor dismantles telehealth, mental healthcare access, regional health services far and wide, Australians know that the Coalition will fight for better health outcomes, no matter where they live.”