The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch ('The Guild') welcomes the appointment of the Hon. Ingrid Stitt MLC as Victoria's new Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services.
"The Guild congratulates Minister Stitt on her appointment and looks forward to working closely and constructively with her to improve healthcare access for all Victorians," said Victoria Branch President George Tambassis.
Mr Tambassis said the change in leadership comes at a pivotal time for Victoria's health system, with the state election approaching and growing pressure on hospitals, emergency departments and general practice.
"Victoria's 1,300-plus community pharmacies are ready to help deliver more timely, accessible care closer to home."
The Guild's 2026 Victorian Election Platform outlines its reform agenda to unlock the full potential of community pharmacy, reduce pressure on other parts of the health system and support a stronger, more sustainable community pharmacy network.
The Guild urges Minister Stitt and the Victorian Government to take forward these practical reforms:
- Protect pharmacist ownership of community pharmacies,
- Support pharmacists to work to the full scope of their enhanced training, by legislatively enabling autonomous prescribing to Therapeutic Guidelines, and
- Strengthen the pharmacy workforce across rural and regional Victoria.
"The Community Pharmacist Program has already demonstrated what can be achieved when government and community pharmacy work together with a shared focus on patients.
We look forward to building on that progress with Minister Stitt so Victorians can receive the care they need, when and where they need it."
Mr Tambassis also thanked outgoing Minister, the Hon. Harriet Shing MLC for working collaboratively with the Guild during her tenure as Minister for Health and Ambulance Services and wished her well for the future.
