To: NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Health Minister Steven Edgington
NT Health Pharmacy
The NT Government has refused to provide the incentives needed to attract and retain pharmacists, putting both workers and patients at risk. Vacancy rates are severe across the Territory:
- Alice Springs Hospital – 50% understaffed
- Royal Darwin Hospital – 30% understaffed
- Palmerston Hospital – 30% understaffed
- Katherine Hospital – 100% understaffed (pharmacy services at risk of closure)
This is not sustainable. Patient safety is on the line.
You can show solidarity with your peers in three ways:
- Write a short message of support that we can pass directly to NT pharmacists and technicians.
- Contact NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and Health Minister Steven Edgington and tell them to act now to protect patients and staff. To make it easier, you can download the letter PA has already sent to the Minister and use it as a template for your own message.
- Sign and share our petition calling for safe staffing and fair pay for NT hospital pharmacists. Every signature adds to the pressure. The petition here.
Contact details:
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro: [email protected] | (08) 8999 8700
Health Minister Steven Edgington: [email protected] | (08) 8999 8635
Why is this important?
The NT Government’s failure to act means dangerously understaffed pharmacy departments are left to cope under impossible conditions. Pharmacists and technicians are exhausted, patients face delays and reduced services, and communities risk losing access to essential healthcare.
Every message, every call, and every signature sends a strong signal: pharmacists across Australia will not accept unsafe staffing and government neglect.
Together, we can protect patients and support our profession.
In solidarity,
Professionals Australia
Professionals Australia
