Seems like the tl;dr is that profits of pharmacies is the highest priority.

Under the changes to take effect from 1 September, about 6 million Australians will be able to collect two-for-one scripts for 320 common medicines, leading to savings of up to $180 a year for each medicine.

The move will save patients more than $1.6bn over the next four years, but is estimated to cost pharmacies $1.2bn due to less frequent dispensing fees.

The Pharmacy Guild has lobbied intensely against the policy, seeking compensation from the government and warning of staff cuts and fee increases for services such as packing Webster packs for elderly patients.

In in-store campaign material, pharmacists have claimed the policy has contributed to medicine shortages and urged patients to blame the prime minister, Anthony Albanese.

  • @kowcop@aussie.zone
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    fedilink
    91 year ago

    why does lobbying always sound like blatant corruption? Lobbyist asks politician for help on something, lobbyist isn’t getting it for free, they are either calling a favor (corrupt), paying for it (corrupt) and appealing to the politicians good will (lol)