Parliamentary Secretary For Health, Mark Butler, To Open PAC09, Australia

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 06 Oct 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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The Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Health, the Hon Mark Butler MP, will officially open the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's Pharmacy Australia Congress in Sydney on Friday 16 October.

The National President of the PSA, Warwick Plunkett, said Mr Butler's willingness and enthusiasm in agreeing to open the Congress was significant.

"During the year three major reports have already been released which have had, and will continue to have a major impact on health care and how it is delivered in Australia," Mr Plunkett said.

"It is a great privilege for PAC09 to be opened by Mr Butler and I believe this reflects the value that the Government places on the pharmacy profession as being pivotal to health care in this country.

"Mr Butler was only appointed to the position this year and it has indeed been a very busy year with the rapidly escalating agenda for reform throughout the health-care sector."

Mr Plunkett said Mr Butler had brought a wide range of experience to Parliament since being first elected in 2007.

Before entering parliament Mark worked in the South Australian Branch of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union where he led campaigns in industries including hospitals, cleaning, child care, aged care, the wine industry and hotels.

He served as the youngest President of the ALP in South Australia in 1997-98 and has been a member of the ALP National Executive and Executive Committee since 2000. Mr Butler holds a First Class Honours Law degree, an Arts degree from Adelaide University and a Masters Degree in International Relations.

"Mr Butler's wide experience is certainly a great asset for someone holding his portfolio and I look forward to welcoming him at PAC09," Mr Plunkett said.

This year PAC is being held from October 15-18 at the Sydney Hilton Hotel under the over-arching theme of Securing Your Practice Advantage.

Full details of PAC can be found at http://www.pac2009.com.au

Source
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia