The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed the opportunity to continue working closely with Minister Butler in his re-appointment as Minister for Health and Aged Care. Minister Butler also adds the National Disability Insurance Scheme to his portfolio responsibilities.
The Guild has welcomed Minister Butler’s re-appointment, recognising his focus on putting patients at the centre of healthcare reform.
“Minister Butler has worked hard to put patients at the heart of his work. Most recently we’ve seen the announcement that medicine will soon be more affordable,” said Professor Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
“Continuity will ensure the necessary reforms to healthcare, including expanding the range of services offered in pharmacy, can be taken forward at pace.”
Healthcare was a central focus of the election campaign – and community pharmacies are ready to help deliver on the Government’s ambitions. With more services now available through pharmacy than ever before, Australians have greater access to care that is affordable, practical, and close to home.
One of the most significant wins for patients so far is the upcoming cut to the PBS general co-payment – only the second cut in its history.
From 1 January 2026, the co-payment will fall from $31.60 to $25, saving Australians $689 million over four years. This historic outcome was the result of the Guild’s Affordable Medicines Now campaign, backed by more than 20 consumer and health organisations including the Australian Patients Association, Pain Australia, and the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance. Together, this coalition helped turn patient stories into national policy.
Labor’s commitment to retain the current pharmacy location and ownership rules, as well as continued dispensing, also helps ensure equitable access to medicines for all Australians.
The Guild is also pleased to continue working with pharmacist and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, the Hon Emma McBride MP, and Dan Repacholi MP in his role as Special Envoy for Men’s Health. The addition of the Hon Sam Rae MP, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister and the Hon Rebecca White to the health and disability portfolio also strengthens the team leading future healthcare reform.
Work is already underway to brief the incoming Parliament on the priorities and potential of community pharmacy in strengthening Australia’s health system. The Guild thanks members and partners for their continued support and looks forward to the next chapter of reform.
