Wednesday, 29 July 2026

 Juliana ADDISON (Wendouree) (19:16): (1746) Deputy Speaker, I am sure you will have much interest in my adjournment tonight as the son of a pharmacist, it coming from the daughter of a pharmacist. My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health. The action I seek is for the minister to visit my electorate of Wendouree to raise awareness and visit a local community pharmacy to discuss the success and future opportunities of the Victorian government’s Chemist Care Now program. The Victorian Labor government continues to lead the nation in expanding access to affordable and convenient health care, and the Chemist Care Now program is a prime example of that commitment.

By enabling Victorians to access treatment and advice closer to home the program is reducing pressure on busy GPs and the emergency department at Grampians Health while providing timely care when people need it the most. Importantly, women can now access the oral contraceptive pill directly from participating pharmacists following a free private consultation without needing a GP appointment or prescription. They can also get support for UTIs and other matters, and we know that women across Victoria are so pleased to be able to do this. This reform is making health care more accessible, reducing costs and saving valuable time for women across our community. The program has also expanded the range of conditions that pharmacists can treat, with Victorians now able to receive pharmacist care for mild dermatitis, acne and minor musculoskeletal conditions, including sprains, strains and joint pain. These are common conditions that can be safely and effectively managed through their local pharmacy, allowing patients to receive prompt treatment without unnecessary delays.

In communities like mine and like yours, Deputy Speaker, local pharmacies are among the most accessible healthcare services available. They are trusted by residents, provide professional advice and are increasingly playing a vital role in preventative and primary health care – I know because that is what my dad always did. The expansion of Chemist Care Now is helping families, workers, students and older Victorians to access health care more conveniently and closer to where they live. A visit by the minister would provide an important opportunity to hear directly from a local pharmacist about how the program is supporting patients and raise awareness so more people can access Chemist Care Now. I look forward to welcoming the minister to Ballarat and Wendouree.