Clovelly Park Chemist Warehouse – one of Adelaide’s three new 24/7 pharmacies – facing staff underpayment claims

One of the three pharmacies chosen by the state government is facing allegations of staff underpayment.

One of the three pharmacists chosen by the state government for funding to allow it to open 24/7 is awaiting the outcome of a tribunal hearing into alleged staff underpayment.

On Sunday, the state government revealed the locations of the three 24-hour pharmacies, pledging $2.5m to ensure they can provide around-the-clock services in an attempt to ease the pressure on emergency departments.

The three stores named were Chemist Warehouse at Saints Shopping Centre in Salisbury Plains, Chemist Warehouse in Clovelly Park and National Pharmacies in Norwood.

The Clovelly Park Chemist Warehouse is, however, one of four Adelaide franchises awaiting the outcome of a recent tribunal hearing where workers alleged they were owed $45,000 after they were not paid in line with their new duties.

The Salisbury Plains and Norwood pharmacies are not part of the proceedings.

The state government referred inquiries to SA Health, who said confirmed all applicants participated in an open and competitive tender process despite any pending investigations.

“Successful pharmacies were selected through the standard procurement process,” said the spokesman.

“We cannot comment on any private business matter currently before a tribunal.

“All pharmacies in South Australia are overseen by an independent statutory body, the Pharmacy Regulation Authority.”

A spokesman for SDA said it was awaiting a decision from the tribunal hearing, but no date has been set.

The average amount of money being claimed is $5000 with the union estimating the amount of underpayment, if the claims are proven, could be up to $600,000 in SA alone and up to $10m at a national level.

The state government is also still in the process of working with the pharmacies to provide mental health first aid training to pharmacists, expand access to palliative care medicine, access to vaccinations and allow pharmacists to conduct medication reviews for people leaving hospitals with complex health needs.

Health Minister Chris Picton said it would be a “huge benefit” for families across Adelaide who would otherwise have to go to an emergency department to seek medical assistance.

“Lack of access to pharmacies after hours is a concern that is raised by many families, and often leaves people with nowhere else to turn but emergency departments,” Mr Picton said.

“This is not only inconvenient for them, but places extra strain on our busy emergency departments.

“Introducing 24-hour pharmacies to South Australia will provide important access to the care families need, when they need it, while also helping to further reduce pressure on busy hospitals.”