Professor Trent Twomey has been elected for a second term as National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
Professor Twomey said he was honoured to be entrusted to represent Australia's more than 6000 community pharmacies at a time when community pharmacy is doing more for patients than ever before.
"Community pharmacy is undergoing a once-in-a-century evolution, shaped by the changing needs and preferences of the contemporary patient.
"We know Australians are busier than ever; are living longer and are some of the world's most advanced users of technology. In addition, right now, many Australians are being challenged by rising costs of living and this is having an impact on the way and how often they access health care.
"To deliver for our patients, community pharmacy is evolving from the traditional dispensary-only model to become holistic health hubs, where patients can access their prescription medication; be treated by a pharmacist for everyday health conditions; receive support for long-term condition management and find the health and wellbeing products they rely on."
In accepting his election, Professor Twomey also congratulated incoming National Councillors: Mario Barone (NSW), Catherine Bronger (NSW), Peppe Rasso (NSW), Matthew Gillespie (SA) and George Tambassis (Victoria).
He recognised outgoing National Councillors David Heffernan (NSW), Judy Plunkett (NSW), Adele Tehan (NSW), Amanda Seeto (Queensland), Greg Scarlett (SA) and Paul Krassaris (Victoria) for their contribution in what had been four years of great significance for the community pharmacy sector.
"The commitment of the Guild's representative leadership team during the past term was undoubtedly the key success factor in securing highly positive outcomes for community pharmacies and patients."
The Guild's advocacy resulted in the first cut to the PBS co-payment in 70 years, meaning patients now pay no more than $31.60 for a PBS-listed prescription, down from $42.50, a measure that has already saved Australians more than $346 million.
Professor Twomey said there was much work to do in his second term on behalf of community pharmacies and patients.
"Next year marks the conclusion of the existing 10-year Community Pharmacy plan, through which much has been achieved. Within the first 100 days of the incoming National Council, work will begin on developing the 2035 Community Pharmacy plan, a process which will include consultation with a broad cross section of stakeholders."
Professor Twomey said the Guild had already began planning for the negotiation of the Ninth Community Pharmacy Agreement, due in 2029.
"The community pharmacy of the future has patients firmly at its heart. I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the committed and innovative community pharmacists across Australia, to accelerate community pharmacy's role and services to patients," Professor Twomey said.
