Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Professor Trent Twomey said reports of physical and verbal assaults in community pharmacies were becoming more frequent, with pharmacists increasingly bearing the brunt of frustration across the broader healthcare system.
"I'm increasingly concerned of the number of reports I'm receiving of physical assaults and verbal assaults against our frontline pharmacists and pharmacy assistants. No healthcare worker should go to work fearing for their physical safety," Professor Twomey said.
Community pharmacists are among Australia's most accessible frontline healthcare professionals, providing care and advice to millions of patients each week. South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia recognise frontline health workers, including pharmacists, in their legislation. South Australia has the strongest protections for pharmacists and pharmacy workers.
The Guild has repeatedly raised the issue with governments and is calling for the introduction of laws that explicitly name pharmacists and pharmacy assistants to provide stronger protections and penalties. Professor Twomey said the current situation was unacceptable and put the safety of healthcare workers at risk.
"Pharmacists and pharmacy teams show up every day to serve their communities, support vulnerable Australians and help close gaps in healthcare. They deserve to feel safe while doing it."
"Premiers and chief ministers of the remaining states and territories need to introduce laws that explicitly name pharmacists and pharmacy assistants to ensure the strongest and clearest protection.”
"All pharmacists and pharmacy assistants, regardless of the state or territory they work in deserve to feel safe."