It didn’t take the renowned politician and activist long to get on the tools as the Pharmacy Guild ramps up its scope expansion agenda.
Linda Burney, the former federal minister for Indigenous Australians, has been appointed by the Pharmacy Guild to chair its newly established First Nations Pharmacy Network.
The FNPN is part of the Guild’s Community Pharmacy Indigenous Health Strategy, which aims to embed cultural safety, amplify community voices and improve health outcomes for First Nations communities across Australia.
“I am honoured to chair the First Nations Pharmacy Network,” Ms Burney, a proud Wiradjuri woman, said.
“This initiative reflects the power of genuine partnership and the importance of embedding cultural safety in every part of our health system.
“We don’t have to choose between practical and symbolic reconciliation — we can and must do both. Community-led care is not only effective, but also an act of respect.
Related
“In community pharmacy, agency and autonomy are returned to patients and communities: individuals are empowered to make informed choices about their health, ask questions freely and participate actively in their care,” she said.
“This approach honours cultural knowledge and community leadership, ensuring care is co-created and led by those it serves, with allies walking alongside in genuine partnership with pharmacist owned community pharmacies.
“By respecting and elevating the voices and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we strengthen self-determination and uphold the principles at the heart of Closing the Gap.”
The collaboration with Ms Burney comes at a pivotal time, said the guild.
“The PGA continues to prepare for the future expansion of PBS prescribing rights and pharmacist scope of practice — a move which will further enhance access to primary care, particularly in rural and remote communities.”