The Albanese Government and Pharmacy Guild of Australia have reached a Heads of Agreement for an 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA).
The Agreement will deliver cheaper medicines, improve patient health outcomes and secure a strong community pharmacy sector.
The 8CPA will provide up to an additional $3 billion for community pharmacy and cheaper medicines.
Full details of the measures contained in the Heads of Agreement will be finalised and announced once the clauses of the 8CPA have been settled.
The Australian Government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia will now work in good faith to finalise the 8CPA to commence from 1 July 2024.
The 8CPA builds on lessons learned from past agreements and reforms and has involved extensive consultations.
The Government will continue engaging with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the National Pharmaceutical Services Association, and a wide range of other stakeholders with an interest in the pharmacy sector to finalise separate arrangements in the coming months.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to cheaper medicines, improving patient health outcomes and securing a strong community pharmacy sectory through an Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA).
"Australians have already saved more than $280 million on their medicine costs since January 2023 thanks to the Albanese Government's commitment to cheaper medicines.
"This agreement ensures Australians will continue to receive cheaper medicines thanks to the Albanese Government, including guaranteeing our historic 60-day prescriptions reforms into the future.
"The Government recognises the very important role played by community pharmacies, and the 8CPA will support them to play an even bigger role in the primary care sector."
