While Labor welcomes today’s announcement that Tasmanian pharmacists will be able to practice to their full scope of practice, we are calling on the minority Liberal Government to guarantee that this initiative won’t be delivered alongside a repeat of last years’ $600 million worth of budget cuts to health.

Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals who already play a vital role in reducing pressure on Tasmania’s over-burdened health system. They are trusted professionals and often the first port of call for Tasmanians in need.

In Queensland there has already been an expansion to allow pharmacists to practice up to their full scope of practice, with other states and territories planning to do the same.

That change has led to greater and faster access to healthcare, which has been extremely welcome especially in rural and regional locations. Working alongside GPs and other health professionals, pharmacists play a critical role in early advice and treatment of a range of health conditions.

Today's announcement will mean suitably trained pharmacists in Tasmania will also be able to provide this type of expanded service, which will be no doubt welcomed by Tasmanians across the state.

Labor welcomes the commitment of funding for Tasmanian pharmacists to undergo the training needed to provide this expanded practice, however this initiative can’t be delivered alongside more cuts for Tasmania’s health system, which is already sick enough after more than a decade of Liberal mismanagement.

Last budget, the Liberals laid out more than $600 million worth of cuts to the Health Department, with hundreds of jobs placed on the chopping block.

Tasmanians can’t afford to see a repeat of these savage cuts in May 29's Budget.

Ella Haddad MP
Shadow Minister for Health