The Federal Budget includes small business measures that will directly affect community pharmacies, particularly those operating under franchise models or processing high volumes of card payments.
The Government has confirmed it is prepared to ban debit card surcharges, subject to final work by the Reserve Bank of Australia and the introduction of appropriate safeguards. This change will affect the cost of accepting some payments, and may require updates to payment systems. The Guild will monitor progress to minimise disruption and impact to community pharmacies.
Pharmacy owners operating under franchise models will also be affected by increased enforcement of the Franchising Code of Conduct, with $7.1 million provided to the ACCC over two years to strengthen oversight and compliance. This measure will support fairer and more transparent franchise relationships and ensure franchisors are meeting their obligations under the Code.
These measures form part of a broader small business package in the Budget, which also includes energy efficiency grants, bill relief of up to $150 for around one million eligible businesses, and the creation of a $900 million National Productivity Fund.
The Guild will continue engaging with Government to ensure community pharmacies are supported through the implementation of these changes and recognised in future small business policy settings.
