It was a night which highlighted the trusted, accessible care community pharmacy can deliver to everyone across Australia, no matter where they live.
PGA’s National President Professor Trent Twomey said they were privileged to be joined by Australia’s Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, the Shadow Health Minister, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, and the Attorney General, the Hon Michelle Rowland.
First Nations
Prof Twomey said both Minister Butler and Ms Ley conveyed in their speeches the essential role community pharmacies play in strengthening primary care and improving patient access.
“And in my address, I was proud to launch the First Nations Pharmacy Network, to be chaired by the Hon Linda Burney, Former Minister for Indigenous Australians,” Prof Twomey said.
The First Nations Community Pharmacy Network will provide a platform for lived-experience voices, cultural leadership, and practical solutions to ensure that every community pharmacy is a place of trust, healing, and cultural connection.
Genuine progress
Prof Twomey said Ms Burney’s leadership and wisdom would ensure culturally safe, community-led care remained at the heart of Australia’s community pharmacy sector.
“As Linda reminded us, reconciliation is both practical and symbolic — and genuine progress begins when we listen and make progress together.”
Prof Twomey also reflected on the progress in community pharmacy during 2025, noting continued government support for cheaper medicines, more pharmacists entering and staying in the profession, scope of practice momentum and through PGA’s Towards 2035 plan, a clear roadmap for the decade ahead.
Recognising new PGA Life Members
The special parliamentary event also provided the perfect setting to acknowledge 28 new PGA Life Members.
“These men and women have been members of the Guild for 40 years or more,” Prof Twomey said.
“On behalf of PGA’s National Council, I extend my gratitude to Life Membership recipients for their service, mentorship and leadership.
“You continue to inspire our profession and strengthen our Guild.”
Prof Twomey's speech highlighted the trusted, accessible care community pharmacy can deliver to everyone across Australia, no matter where they live
Journalist and comedian Sarah Ison MC'd the parliamentary dinner
Aunty Violet Sheridan, a Ngunnawal Elder, performed the Welcome to Country ceremony in Canberra for the parliamentary dinner
PGA's life members were recognised individually during the parliamentary dinner
Prof Trent Twomey with the Hon Linda Burney and Libby Corker MP
Leader of the Opposition the Hon Sussan Ley also addressed dinner guests
The evening included welcome drinks, exhibitions from visiting pharmacies, speeches from the nation's political leaders, and a special celebration of PGA's life time members
PGA's life members were recognised during the dinner with certificates and messages of thanks for their service
PGA’s National President Professor Trent Twomey said they were privileged to be joined by Australia’s Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP
PGA's brand Glucojel is now supporting Netball Australia's bid to see their game included in the Olympics
One of Australia's highest profile elite athletes Liz Ellis attended the dinner in support of Netball Australia's newly forged partnership with the PGA jelly bean brand Glocojel to see netball included in the Olympics
