THE Federal Government will address the shortage of pharmacists in regional Australia by “prioritising” visas for skilled migrants wanting to work in the industry.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster has welcomed the announcement that pharmacists will be included on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL).
“Community pharmacies play a vital role in our regional towns, providing health advice, health checks, immunisations, including the COVID-19 vaccination and pharmaceuticals,” Dr Webster said.
“Pharmacies in regional areas are finding it increasingly difficult to attract required skilled staff needed to serve their communities.
“Pharmacists across Mallee have shared with me their difficulty in finding appropriate staff, and their need to source trained pharmacists from overseas.
“I took this expressed need to the Minister for Immigration (Alex Hawke) and he has responded, including pharmacists for hospital, retail and industrial settings in the critical needs list.
“By including pharmacists on the PMSOL, it means that vital staffing shortages can be filled by appropriately trained and qualified pharmacists from overseas.”
Mr Hawke said it was “all hands to the pump” after thousands of community pharmacies across Australia were invited to join the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
“The Morrison Government will support pharmacies across Australia, including through skilled migration, as supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses increases over the coming weeks,” he said.
