In a rapidly changing community pharmacy landscape, pharmacies are increasingly navigating shared challenges related to implementing full scope services, strengthening clinical governance and embedding sector‑wide quality initiatives, including the Quality and Safety Pharmacy Program (QSPP).
Established in 2022 following a recommendation from PGA’s National Council, the CPN aims to foster the role of chief pharmacists across pharmacy groups, supporting clinically informed decision making and leadership across the sector.
By bringing together a focused group of chief pharmacists and clinical leaders from pharmacy banner groups, the insights and outcomes generated through the CPN help inform PGA policy, advocacy, resources and support initiatives which benefit both the patients and the broader community pharmacy sector.
Information exchange
The CPN also facilitates a valuable two‑way exchange between pharmacy leaders, the PGA and key stakeholders, including the QSPP team.
This helps ensure resources and support are informed by frontline experience and reflect the diverse needs of metropolitan, regional, and rural pharmacies.
Through regular quarterly engagement (both virtually and in person) and aligned with major industry events such as the Australasian Pharmacy Professional Conference (APP) on Australia’s Gold Coast in Queensland, and Sydney’s Pharmacy Connect, members share practical insights and discuss key issues.
They also identify what is working well in practice and exchange approaches to strengthening safety and quality across the sector.
Reflecting on the value being offered by the network, CPN member Natalie French, (Chief Pharmacist, Chempro Chemists), described the CPN as a trusted forum where pharmacy leaders facing similar challenges can connect, learn from one another and seek practical advice.
She noted that members openly share insights and experiences in a collaborative environment where competition is left at the door and a shared commitment to advancing pharmacy practice and improving outcomes for patients takes priority.
Similarly, CPN member Alison McGuiness (National Professional Practice Pharmacist, TerryWhite Chemmart) said she has been proud to be involved with the CPN since its inception.
She highlighted CPN’s unique ability to bring together clinical governance leaders from across community pharmacy to share experiences, discuss emerging risks and strengthen patient safety.
Alison noted that, despite often being viewed as competitors, members collaborate openly with a shared commitment to improving outcomes for the communities they serve.
Full scope services
As full scope services continue to evolve across jurisdictions, community pharmacies are navigating a period of significant change.
New opportunities are arising for pharmacists to take on broader clinical responsibilities, while pharmacies simultaneously address implementation challenges ranging from workforce capability to consultation room compliance, often in isolation or with duplicated effort.
This has reinforced the need for robust, consistent clinical governance to support safe, efficient, and high-quality service delivery.
The CPN provides an important mechanism for chief pharmacists to collectively address key challenges and support the consistent implementation of services across the sector.
The CPN also facilitates discussion and engagement on a broad range of other emerging priorities impacting community pharmacy, including, but not limited to:
Clinical Governance
- Accreditation and quality assurance activities aligned to: the Australian Community Pharmacy Standard (AS85000:2024)
The QSPP
- Consultation room requirements and compliance
Risk management
- Key priorities under the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA)
Cultural safety
- Patient‑reported outcome and experience measures (PROMs/PREMs).
- Digitisation and digital health integration, including patient data and privacy management.
- The evolving role of artificial intelligence in pharmacy practice.
Aligned with the Guild’s Towards 2035 Strategic Plan, the Network supports the ongoing evolution of pharmacists’ scope of practice and the delivery of safe, high‑quality and consistent patient care.
Insight into action
A key strength of the CPN is its ability to translate real‑world experience into practical action.
For example, as scope of practice reforms roll out at varying speeds across states, the CPN discussions have helped identify practical challenges and opportunities across community pharmacy.
These insights enable the PGA to develop more targeted guidance, resources and advocacy efforts which support members in navigating change with confidence.
By drawing on shared experience, members are also able to learn from one another — reducing duplication of effort, sharing practical solutions already tested in‑store and supporting more efficient implementation across the sector.
As the role of community pharmacists continues to evolve, the CPN enables a proactive and forward‑looking approach to strengthening community pharmacy and advancing safe, high‑quality, patient‑centred care.
Want to learn more about the CPN?
For more information, please contact cpn@guild.org.au.
