Plaudits for pharmacists on list

Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster has welcomed the inclusion of pharmacists on a priority list for skilled immigrants.

Dr Webster said community pharmacies played a critical role in regional towns and adding pharmacists to a Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List, PMSOL, made sense.

“Community pharmacies provide health advice, health checks, immunisations including the COVID-19 vaccination and pharmaceuticals,” she said.

“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 and included pharmacists for hospital, retail and industrial settings in the critical needs list.

“Including pharmacists on the PMSOL means these vital staffing shortages can be filled by appropriately trained and qualified pharmacists from overseas.

“Processing their visas will be prioritised and therefore we will have them on the ground quickly.”