“This is how we are going to apply the pressure,” CAPS spokespeople tell the AJP Podcast, explaining why the group has moved away from political rallies and towards influencing elections

CAPS representatives will attend the Dunkley (Victoria) by-election this weekend (2 March) to lobby against a Labor vote in protest against 60-day dispensing – and Victorian pharmacists are “very keen to assist,” says CAPS spokesperson Peppe Raso.

Raso explains why the group’s focus is now away from rallies – despite the “really good response” from the events in Sydney and Canberra in 2023 – and towards an “education opportunity for those who are undecided in that electorate”.

Raso and fellow CAPS spokesperson Christine Kelly tell AJP Podcast host Carlene McMaugh that this voter influencing campaign is here to stay.

“The Labor government is adamant on making us a third world country at the moment, and that’s not what we’re wanting,” said Kelly.

“This Dunkley by-election is really the first time any health care profession has come together united to show what we can do.

“And this is how we are going to apply the pressure – because this government doesn’t want to listen to us, they don’t want to consult with us, they don’t care if we’re kicking or screaming, but they will care if they lose their set.

“And unfortunately the only way that we’re going to be able to do this is to actually show up with the truth…and make their voters realise that voting for Labor means that health care in Australian will be ruined, broken, torn apart.

“Not only are we going to be at Dunkley, we’re going to be at the Cook (NSW) by-election to show and tell people not to vote for Labor either, and we’re going to be at every by-election, or election – it doesn’t matter whether it’s state or federal.

“We’re going to be there until we get an 8CPA that ensures that community pharmacy stays viable and ensures that we can stay open.”

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