The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, National President Professor Trent Twomey is proud to announce that the Hon. Mark Butler Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, will present at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference and Trade Exhibition (APP2023) on Friday 24 March.
"The Pharmacy Guild of Australia welcomes Federal Health Minister Mark Butler to APP2023 to address around 6,000 delegates on the Gold Coast and we are thrilled the Minister can attend during an increasingly busy period for government.
"We acknowledge the increased vote of confidence in the last few months from Federal and State leaders; this support has been overwhelming for the Community Pharmacy profession and we look forward to hearing more about the Minister's views on pressure points on the healthcare system.
"We have been pleased to see Minister Butler hit the ground running since attending APP2022, before his elevation to Minister for Health following the Albanese Government's election victory in May 2022. We acknowledge the positive changes he has made, passing legislation late last year to lower the maximum co-payment cost of PBS medicines from $42.50 to $30.
"The profession is seeking the Federal Health Minister to play a coordinating role between the states and territories and are keen to hear his view on the role Community Pharmacists will play in primary healthcare with the necessary changes required under a strained healthcare system.
"We're keen to hear Minister Butler's views on the role community pharmacists will play in primary healthcare with the necessary changes required under a strained healthcare system and anticipate the Federal Health Minister improving collaboration between the states and territories to expand access to primary healthcare for all Australians.
"We value his commitment and making the time to attend APP2023, particularly during Parliamentary sitting week," says Professor Twomey.
Conference Convenor, Kos Sclavos AM is encouraging those who have not yet registered not to miss out on the extraordinary line up of presenters and guest speakers.
"The calibre of presentations and speakers will be extremely rewarding for those within community pharmacy, and we encourage those who have not yet registered to invest the time in the professional development and networking opportunities attendees can expect.
"Due to the Minister's exhaustive schedule and commitments in Parliament we are thrilled that this year—with the Federal Minister attending on the second day of APP2023—Minister Butler will be able to explore the conference further and walk the aisles of the trade exhibition and experience the showcase from community pharmacy suppliers.
"I want to remind delegates to keep an eye on the latest program as we have made a few changes to accommodate Minister Butler and arrange no other conflicting presentations during his address," says Mr Sclavos.
"It has been pleasing to see that attendee levels have exceeded our expectations following the last few years of disruptions, with records being made for the highest number of early bird registrations received for this year's event."
For full details and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3WADyOi
