Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

The last part of that very long question would be a matter for the senior minister. But what I can indicate to the chamber is that the report the senator refers to has a number of recommendations on how the future administration and negotiation of the agreement could be improved. My understanding is that the department has accepted all the recommendations and my understanding is also that the department has already: implemented a new recording framework to capture key decisions throughout the anticipated negotiations; put in place risk and probity plans that will address concerns raised in the report; reviewed and modified the financial forecasting systems so that cost impacts to government and patients can be separately reported; and commenced planning for new performance and financial reporting to improve the transparency of future agreements such as future reporting on the major cost components of pharmacy remuneration.

The senator would well understand that currently those negotiations for the sixth pharmacy agreement are underway and the minister is ensuring that she is consulting widely to ensure that we indeed get the best outcome for all concerned.