To the Honourable Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives:

The Petition of citizens of Hindmarsh draws the attention of the House to the important role that Community Pharmacies play in the health care system. The petitioners call upon the House to ensure the Howard Government opposes the extension of pharmacies to major retail supermarkets. The petitioners also ask the House to note that a failure to do so would:

(a)   Lead to the closure of many Community Pharmacies, the majority of whom are hard working small businesses;

(b)   The loss of jobs among the 30,000 assistants currently employed in community pharmacies;

(c)   Put at risk the 80 million free services provided by Community Pharmacies to the Australian community, many of who cannot afford the cost of going to the doctor due to the decline in bulk billing; and

(d)   The reduction in training and career opportunities for people who have chosen pharmacy as their career.