Queensland’s first Pharmacy Business Ownership Council appointed

• The first-ever Queensland Pharmacy Business Ownership Council has been established, with 10 appointed members forming the independent regulatory body.
• Establishing the Council was a key initiative of the Pharmacy Business Ownership Act 2024, passed in parliament earlier this year.
• Council members will begin their term on 1 September 2024.

The Miles Government has officially appointed the council responsible for regulating pharmacy business ownership in Queensland under the Pharmacy Business Ownership Act 2024 (the Act).

This significant step follows the Act’s passage in Parliament earlier this year.

The new council will independently oversee pharmacy business ownership in Queensland, with regulatory functions transferring from Queensland Health to the new council.

Independent oversight of pharmacy ownership rules will strengthen licensing and enforcement, in line with modern approaches in other jurisdictions, and ensure appropriately qualified pharmacists oversee the operation of pharmacy businesses in a manner that prioritises quality services and high standards of professional practice.

Comprising 10 industry experts with diverse backgrounds and collective skills in pharmacy business ownership, financial management, accounting, governance, and law, the council will commence its duties on 1 September 2024.

The appointees, including Chair and Deputy Chair, are:

• Cameron Foote (Chair) – pharmacy business owner, registered pharmacist and member of the Interim Pharmacy Roundtable
• Inmaculada (Inma) Beaumont (Deputy Chair) – chartered certified accountant
• Emma Conway – registered pharmacist
• Amy Ford – pharmacy business owner and registered pharmacist
• Adam Rodger – pharmacy business owner and registered pharmacist
• Brett Simmonds – Chair of the Pharmacy Board of Australia and registered pharmacist
• (Adela) Ting Wei Tsang – registered pharmacist and law clerk
• Shana Valentine – registered pharmacist
• Fiona Watson – pharmacy business owner, registered pharmacist and Chair of the Interim Pharmacy Roundtable
• Vassillis (Lakis) Zeniou – registered pharmacist

Cameron Foote is a registered pharmacist with extensive experience in pharmacy operations and a strong background in business and financial management.

Inma Beaumont is a chartered certified accountant with a proven track record in senior leadership and financial oversight. She brings expertise in finance, audit, risk management and stakeholder engagement.

Shana Valentine, from the Waluwarra people in Mount Isa, and Vassillis (Lakis) Zeniou, a senior pharmacist who has worked within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations for over 9 years, bring significant expertise in providing culturally appropriate pharmacy services.

The new council will oversee the implementation of a new licensing framework, which is expected to commence by late 2025.

The robust licensing framework that will be established under the Act will strengthen oversight of pharmacy businesses and help ensure the provision of safe and competent pharmacy services.

Once licensing commences, the council will be responsible for deciding applications for pharmacy business licences and compliance with these new laws.

This new regulatory framework aligns with practices in other Australian states and territories. By requiring pharmacies to be owned by qualified individuals with a deep understanding of pharmacy practice and associated risks, the government aims to strengthen patient safety.

The Act replaces the outdated 2001 legislation, providing a modern and effective framework for regulating pharmacy business ownership in Queensland.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:

“I’m pleased to announce the appointment of these highly experienced professionals to sit on Queensland’s first-ever Pharmacy Business Ownership Council. 

“Establishing this council is a key objective of the Pharmacy Business Ownership Act 2024, which was passed in Parliament in March 2024.

“The Act aims to ensure that pharmacy businesses are operated in a manner that prioritises quality services and high standards of professional practice.

“This new council will enforce the pharmacy business ownership legislation, which aligns with how pharmacy ownership is regulated in other states and territories.

“Following extensive consultation with stakeholders, including The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the government is proud to establish the council to oversee the regulation of pharmacy business ownership in Queensland.”

ENDS

Media contact – healthmedia@ministerial.qld.gov.au