A re-elected majority Gutwein Liberal Government will provide more opportunities for our local pharmacists to support the health needs of Tasmanians.

Under our election policy, we will move to enable pharmacist immuniser access to the National Immunisation Program for the first time in Tasmania.

This will take place in line with other states and territories, including NSW most recently, and further improve access to vaccinations for the local community, helping to support high Tasmanian vaccination rates.

We will work closely with local pharmacy stakeholders to ensure appropriate training and resources are developed, having already seen very successful pharmacy NIP access programs in other states and territories like Victoria, the ACT and WA.

We recognise the role of GPs as the centre of care for patients, and their vital role in our communities, and these changes will only complement existing comprehensive GP provision around Tasmania. I thank GPs and pharmacists alike for their unwavering dedication to continuing improved patient care.

A re-elected majority Gutwein Liberal Government will also undertake a scope of practice review for local pharmacists, to consider what other services and support pharmacists can safely provide for the community.

We have seen a number of innovative trials conducted in other jurisdictions and it is important that we are looking to ensure local health professionals have the opportunity to practice to their fullest potential in Tasmania.

On top of this, we will ensure pharmacists can access our $3 million package for primary health services and local GPs, to provide after-hours services for their local communities, as well as our $1 million Hospital Avoidance Co-Investment fund which will match private sector investment on a dollar-for-dollar basis to support capital upgrades that improve or expand facilities to deliver improved after-hours care.

Finally, we will also guarantee continuity of the current arrangements for community pharmacy ownership, which ensures stability and certainty for local services.

Our policy is all about ensuring Tasmanians have the best possible access to primary health services, and we will work closely with our local pharmacy stakeholders on these commitments.