Mr Benedet has served as the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch Director since 2019. 
Throughout his tenure, Mr Benedet has worked closely with the Queensland Premier, the Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Queensland Government to develop and implement nation-leading reforms to primary healthcare, including the North Queensland Community Scope of Practice Pilot - now expanded statewide, the Community Pharmacy UTI Health Service, and the Free Flu Vaccination Program.
Mr Benedet also led the Guild’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Queensland, which was the first state to allow community pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines and the first state to implement the school-based COVID-19 vaccine outreach program.
Prior to joining the Guild, Mr Benedet held senior roles at News Corp Australia, Careers Australia, and the National Rugby League. This culminated in the successful realisation of Rugby League Central and its associated Hall of Fame and Education centre, via a grant from the then Infrastructure Minister, Mr Anthony Albanese. Gerard was also Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Opposition in Queensland, Chief of Staff to the Queensland Treasurer, and National Director of not-for-profit advocacy organisation, Advance Australia.
Mr Owen said Mr Benedet would bring the same brand of consultative, outcome-driven leadership to his role as Executive Director.
“Gerard’s record speaks for itself. Under his leadership the Queensland Branch has continued to innovate and be at the forefront of community pharmacy practice.
“Gerard’s strategic vision and his knowledge of the public sector is second to none – his appointment is good news for pharmacies and patients across the country,” says Mr Owen.
Mr Benedet will commence his role as Executive Director on Monday 13 November and reside in Canberra.
Today, the Queensland Branch will commence an executive search process for the role of Branch Director, Queensland.