Media Release
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s former National Presidents, Kos Sclavos and John Bronger, along with current Senior National Vice President and Queensland Branch President, Professor Trent Twomey, today thanked George Tambassis for his outstanding contributions to the industry.
Mr Tambassis is stepping down as National President in 2021 at the end of his term, after seven years of service.
Kos Sclavos AM, who was National President of The Pharmacy Guild of Australia from 2005 to 2013, recognised Mr Tambassis for his leadership and commitment to broadening the role of community pharmacy as primary healthcare providers in the interest of patients.
“George is a true leader and innovator with the ability to visualise the future for our industry, shown through his signing of both the Sixth and Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreements.”
John Bronger OAM, who was National President between 1994 and 2005 and successfully negotiated three Community Pharmacy Agreements, thanked Mr Tambassis for his strong leadership and resilience during the coronavirus pandemic, in what has been one of the toughest years ever for primary healthcare providers.
Senior National Vice President and Queensland Branch President, Prof. Trent Twomey praised Mr Tambassis for his ongoing leadership and commitment to members and all Australian patients.
“George has worked tirelessly to serve and support our members during the coronavirus pandemic, so they can practice to their full scope and better serve the community.”
“He has strived towards achieving the Guild’s vision of embedding community pharmacy as a trusted and key element in Australia’s primary healthcare infrastructure,” says Prof. Twomey.
“His leadership and work ethic have ensured that strides have been taken towards community pharmacy practicing to their full scope as primary healthcare providers.”
“George drove the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement negotiations, which was signed in June this year during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It was one of the hardest negotiations imaginable, lasting more than twelve months, but produced an Agreement for the times that significantly benefits both Australian patients and community pharmacy.
“If we allow community pharmacists to practise at their full scope and take a greater role in the primary healthcare system to treat common ailments, families will have access to basic healthcare that is faster, more affordable and convenient.”
Text and image: The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
