A night to remember: How PGA’s annual parliamentary dinner highlighted community pharmacy’s future

Welcoming the political champions

PGA’s National President Professor Trent Twomey welcomed top political figures, including Australia’s Minister for Health the Hon Mark Butler MP, Opposition Leader the Hon Sussan Ley MP, Shadow Health Minister Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, and Attorney-General the Hon Michelle Rowland.

Their presence underscored the vital role community pharmacies play in primary care, providing trusted, accessible services across cities, suburbs, and regional towns.

The speakers acknowledged the growing importance of community pharmacy in relieving pressure on hospitals and general practice — reinforcing the profession is not only a health service but also a vital community asset.

Prof Twomey noted pharmacists are trained, trusted, and able to transform health care, creating healthier communities across Australia, saying together the profession can go further.

Launching a vision: First Nations Pharmacy Network

A key highlight of the evening was the announcement of the First Nations Pharmacy Network, a landmark initiative aimed at improving culturally safe, community-led pharmacy care for First Nations Australians.

Prof Twomey said he was delighted to announce the Hon Linda Burney would be the inaugural chair of the network.

Introducing Ms Burney, he described her as a proud First Nations woman who has dedicated her life to Indigenous affairs across two parliaments and two levels of government, courageously leading the push for reconciliation.

He said she is a trailblazer, a friend, and PGA is proud to have her insight and wisdom as they work together to progress this important piece of work.

The First Nations Pharmacy Network is designed to integrate lived experience, cultural leadership, and practical solutions into community pharmacy. By doing so, it will ensure community pharmacies are not just health services but also places of trust, healing, and connection for First Nations communities.

I am delighted to announce tonight the Honorable Linda Burney will be the inaugural chair of the First Nations Pharmacy Network.

Prof Trent Twomey

Honouring pillars of PGA

The parliamentary dinner also recognised 28 new PGA Life Members — people who have served Australia and PGA as community pharmacy representatives for 40 years or more.

Prof Twomey highlighted the enduring impact of PGA’s members, noting the new life members embodied the foundation
of community pharmacy and PGA’s enduring legacy.

Charting the future: Towards 2035

Prof Twomey also highlighted PGA’s Towards 2035 strategic plan as a 10-year roadmap to create healthier Australian communities, saying the plan sets an ambitious target for 80 percent of pharmacists to be qualified as pharmacist prescribers and 80 percent of community pharmacies to provide these additional services by 2035, which would result in an annual AUD5.1 billion saving to Australia’s healthcare system.

He emphasised the growing reach and effectiveness of community pharmacy services, noting pharmacists are now treating 6,000 uncomplicated urinary tract infections every month and the evaluation of Victoria’s Community Pharmacy prescribing pilot found zero safety concerns and a 97 percent consumer satisfaction, showing these services are safe, effective, and evidence based.
Prof Twomey also stressed all pharmacy students should be given the opportunity to develop prescribing skills within their degree, not after it, explaining Australia’s education offerings for pharmacists must reflect the reality of modern patient care.

All pharmacy students should be given the opportunity to develop the skills within, not after their degree. Their education must reflect the reality of modern patient care.

Prof Trent Twomey

Supporting affordable medicines

Addressing medicine affordability, Prof Twomey highlighted when people can afford their medicine, they are more likely to take it, keeping them well for longer and reducing pressure on other parts of the healthcare system.

He confirmed from the beginning of 2026, patients who do not have a concession card will pay no more than AUD25 for a PBS script.

These changes will alleviate current cost-of-living pressures across the nation — and will help in some part future proof the health of all people in Australia.

Driving change through community pharmacy

Throughout his speech, Prof Twomey reflected on the evolution of the profession, saying Australia leads the world in maintaining a viable pharmacy sector through pharmacist-only ownership and location rules.

These rules maintain professional accountability and community trust — while protecting access for regional and remote areas and preventing some of the pharmacy deserts seen in other countries.

The dinner also highlighted PGA’s priorities in clinical services, First Nations health, and women’s health.

Prof Twomey detailed community pharmacists are increasingly providing care where people live and work, ensuring essential services are accessible, safe, and culturally appropriate.

A symbolic and substantial moment

From the launch of the First Nations Pharmacy Network to the strategic roadmap Towards 2035 and the acknowledgment
of life members’ service, the dinner combined recognition, reflection, and forward‑looking initiatives.

The annual event celebrated the legacy of community pharmacy while emphasising the profession’s pivotal role in building healthier Australian communities.