The Pharmacy Guild of Australia's campaign to make medicines more affordable for millions of Australians was recognised at the Public Relations Institute of Australia's top awards presentation last night.
The Guild, along with consultants Agenda C and Curious Minds Media, won the institute's bronze trophy in the Golden Target Award's public affairs and advocacy campaign section.
The annual PRIA Golden Target Awards recognise excellence, best practice and professionalism in public relations across 16 categories.
The Executive Director of the Pharmacy Guild, Suzanne Greenwood, accepted the awards on behalf of the Pharmacy Guild.
Ms Greenwood said the Affordable Medicines Now campaign had resulted in the Government committing to reduce the price of many medicines from $42.50 to $30 from 1 January 2023.
"We gave this campaign everything had because we saw that many people simply could not afford their medicines," Ms Greenwood said.
"Cost-of-living pressures are hitting families across the country, and we saw that reducing the cost of medicines would help the hip pocket and help ensure people continue taking the medicines they need to mange conditions and stay as healthy as possible.
"With the Guild's resources and research, combined with the expertise of [name of consultant] we presented a professional and evidence-based argument that was compelling.
"As a result, we will see the first price reduction in Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medicines in its 75-year history."
