Audit Office criticises Health Department’s handling of $15b pharmacy deal

The federal health department has been criticised by the Australian National Audit Office for its administration of a $15 billion agreement with pharmacists. The audit office identified several shortcomings in the department’s administration of the agreement, including miscalculating the amount of savings to be delivered by the agreement, failing to fully realise a number of government negotiating objectives, and poor record keeping. The report documented “persistent shortcomings in departmental record-keeping,” including a failure of the department to keep a formal record of its meetings with the Pharmacy Guild during negotiations and discussions about contracts. Read more: Sydney Morning Herald, March 6, 2015