Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (South Australia) (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill

Second Reading

Adjourned debate on second reading.

(Continued from 31 May 2017.)

The Hon. S.G. WADE (16:11): I rise to speak on behalf of the Liberal opposition on the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (South Australia) (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2017. This bill passed the House of Assembly on 30 May. Originally, the government bill included proposals to change the regulation of pharmacies in South Australia, and it would have increased the number of pharmacies that may be owned by the Friendly Society Medical Association, generally known as National Pharmacies.

In spite of suggestions to the contrary, the government introduced the legislation without a consensus within the pharmaceutical industry and without consulting the opposition. It is one thing for the minister to arrogantly sideline the opposition: it is another thing to do the same to the pharmaceutical industry. In the House of Assembly the government did not oppose the removal of the proposed changes to pharmacy regulations in relation to friendly societies, which, as I said, was opposed by the broader pharmaceutical industry. Any future reform needs a more collaborative approach to succeed.

I now turn to the remaining elements of the bill. The bill would simplify regulatory requirements for manufacturers and retailers of ready-made spectacles. The bill also makes amendments to give effect to the merger of The CrimTrac Agency with the Australian Crime Commission. As the Liberal opposition did in the House of Assembly, the opposition in this place supports the bill.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. D.G.E. Hood.

At 16:14 the council adjourned until Tuesday 8 August 2017 at 14:15.