Expressions of Interest
Information Pack
Queensland Pharmacy Business Ownership Council
Information for Applicants
The Pharmacy Business Ownership Act 2024 (the Act) was passed by Parliament in March 2024 and commenced in full in 1 November 2025. The Act provides for the establishment of the Queensland Pharmacy Business Ownership Council (Council) to regulate pharmacy business ownership and implement a pharmacy business licensing scheme in Queensland.
The Minister for Health and Ambulance Services invites suitably qualified persons from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including governance, regulatory practice, law, pharmacy business owners and employee pharmacists working within pharmacy businesses, to apply to be a Deputy Chairperson or member of the Council. The Council independently oversees the new regulatory framework, including making licensing decisions, monitoring compliance and reporting on actions taken to ensure compliance with the Act. The Council employs staff to support the Council’s regulatory activities and provide administrative and secretariat support to the Council.
Members will be appointed for a term of not more than four (4) years, stated in the member’s instrument of appointment.
To download a PDF version of the Applicant Information Pack, please click here.
About the Queensland Pharmacy Business Ownership Council
The Queensland Pharmacy Business Ownership Council (Council) is an independent statutory body. We regulate pharmacy business ownership to promote the safe and competent delivery of pharmacy services.
The Council is responsible for deciding applications for pharmacy business ownership licences, keeping a register of licensed pharmacy businesses and monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Act.
The main purposes of the Act are:
- To promote the professional, safe and competent provision of pharmacy services by pharmacy businesses; and
- To maintain public confidence in the pharmacy profession.
Further Reading:
- Queensland Pharmacy Business Ownership Council Website
- The Council's inaugural Annual Report
- The Pharmacy Business Ownership Act
Current Council Members
The Council’s membership comprises ten industry experts with diverse backgrounds and collective skills in pharmacy business ownership, financial management, accounting, governance, and law.
Cameron has been a pharmacy owner since 1995. Cameron is a passionate advocate for community pharmacy and has extensive experience in pharmacy management, team leadership, harm minimisation, pharmacy intern training and aged care.
He has represented the profession on a number of industry bodies including the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the Australian Community Pharmacy Authority and the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network and was a member of the Interim Pharmacy Roundtable.
Inma is an experienced non-executive director in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. She is a certified chartered accountant and has extensive experience in governance, finance, audit and risk. Inma was previously a stakeholder engagement professional at the School of Pharmacy within The University of Queensland.
Emma is a community pharmacist. She is currently Pharmacist Manager at LiveLife Pharmacy Laidley, playing a crucial role in delivering high-quality pharmacy services to the Lockyer Valley region. Her expertise encompasses home medicine reviews, rural health, mental health, and chronic disease management. Emma is committed to supporting potential pharmacy owners.
Emma is an active leader within the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, both through the Queensland Branch Committee and the Early Career Pharmacist Leadership Team.
Amy is an experienced pharmacist and credentialed diabetes educator, with over 17 years of experience as a community pharmacy owner. She has founded and developed multiple greenfield pharmacies, bringing expertise in the operational, financial, and regulatory domains of community pharmacy ownership.
Amy has a background in both independent and branded pharmacy models and holds advisory roles within the pharmacy sector.
Adam is the Managing Director of Thrive Pharmacies. With over a decade of experience as a pharmacy owner, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge in both pharmacy practice and business management.
His industry experience spans clinical practice, compounding, operations, legal compliance, financial management, human resources, and overall business strategy.
Brett is Program Director, Regulation in Pharmacy Education and Practice at the School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland.
Brett was a member of the Pharmacy Board of Australia for 12 years, including six years as Chair, during which he gained extensive regulatory experience. Brett also was a previous owner of three pharmacy businesses.
Brett is the current Chair of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency Scheduled Medicines Expert Committee and Chair of the Regulators Advisory Group of the Federation of International Pharmacists.
He is passionate about pharmacists taking a leading role in primary health care and using their skills to expand their involvement in patient care.
Adela brings over 19 years of experience as a community pharmacist and home medication review consultant, with a strong foundation in both clinical care and business leadership. She successfully owned and operated her pharmacy and gained firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities of pharmacy business ownership.
Currently, Adela works as an onsite pharmacist in aged care and holds credentials as a credentialed pharmacist, focusing on medication safety and collaborative care within complex patient environments.
Complementing her pharmacy background, Adela was recently admitted as a lawyer in Queensland. She has practical experience in commercial law, taxation, and succession planning, providing a rare dual lens that bridges healthcare delivery with legal and strategic business advice.
Adela is passionate about supporting sustainable pharmacy ownership models, advocating for professional growth, and strengthening the integration of clinical and business excellence in the pharmacy profession.
Shana is a partner in Pharmacy First Mount Isa, progressing from pharmacy assistant over the past 18 years. She has spearheaded innovative health services for rural and First Nations communities and is committed to enhancing health outcomes through culturally competent care.
Her extensive experience includes implementing strategic healthcare initiatives that significantly impact community health, particularly in remote areas.
As a Kalkadoon and Arrerntje woman, Shana brings crucial First Nations perspectives to the forefront of pharmacy business ownership regulation.
Shana is also a practitioner member of the Pharmacy Board of Australia.
Fiona is the managing partner of Redland Bay Wholelife Pharmacy and Healthfoods with over 20 years experience in community pharmacy. She is committed to advocating for the profession, ensuring compliance with legislative frameworks, and enhancing the role of pharmacy in primary healthcare.
Fiona has held leadership roles on advisory boards including Primary Health Networks, University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and was Chair of the Interim Pharmacy Roundtable. Fiona is Vice President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland.
Lakis is a registered pharmacist and previous pharmacy business owner. He has worked with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector for over 15 years, including the past 10 years as Senior Pharmacist at the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH).
Lakis is a member of the IUIH Network Health Quality and Safety Committee, Pharmaceutical Society Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice Community of Special Interest Leadership Group, QUT Safe Prescribing and QUM Program Advisory Group, and Clinical Expert Advisory Panel member for the QUM Palliative Care Medicines Consortium Project.
In 2022, Lakis was awarded the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Queensland Pharmacist of the Year (Bowl of Hygeia) Award, in recognition of his contribution to the pharmacy profession.
Functions of the Council
The Council provides independent oversight of approximately 1300 pharmacy businesses in Queensland. The Council focuses on licensing pharmacy businesses, and monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Act, including through audits.
Under the Act, each pharmacy business must hold a licence issued by the Council, with an annual renewal process. The Council will undertake an assessment of the ownership of each pharmacy business to ensure it complies with the Act. The Council must publish an annual report about any audit and compliance activities undertaken by the Council. The Council may provide advice to the Minister about matters relating to the Act, on its own initiative or at the Minister’s request.
Having an independent Council is intended to promote the professional, safe and competent provision of pharmacy services and enhance public and professional confidence in the Act and pharmacy business ownership in Queensland.
The functions of the Council under the Act are:
- deciding applications relating to pharmacy business licences;
- changing, suspending and cancelling pharmacy business licences;
- monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Act;
- advising the Minister on:
- standards premises must meet to be authorised premises; and
- other matters relating to the Act;
- administering the Queensland Pharmacy Business Ownership Council Fund under the Act;
- keeping a register of licensed pharmacy businesses under section 207.
The Council will perform any other function given to it under the Act. In performing its functions, the Council must act independently, impartially and in the public interest.
Role of Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Members:
The Chairperson is responsible for leading and directing the activities of the Council to ensure the Council performs its functions appropriately. In addition to the general obligations as a member, the Chairperson also presides at all meetings at which the Chairperson is present and may be required to lead or participate in public presentations on the role and functions of the Council. The current Chairperson of the Council is Mr Cameron Foote. The Council is not seeking nominations for appointment as Chairperson as part of this EOI process.
The Deputy Chairperson is to act as the Chairperson during a vacancy in the office of the Chairperson and during all periods when the Chairperson is absent from duty or for another reason cannot perform the duties of the office.
Council members (including the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson) are individually responsible for ensuring that the Council fulfils its functions as set out in the Act. In discharging this responsibility, Council members will:
- act independently and in the public interest;
- disclose any direct or indirect interest in a matter being considered;
- exercise diligence, care and skill;
- comply with the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994(Qld);
- comply with all applicable regulatory requirements (statutory and policy);
- attend Council meetings;
- provide the Minister with an annual report in relation to the performance of the Council’s functions within 3 months after the end of each financial year; and
- where requested by the Minister or Chief Executive, provide a report about the Council’s functions.
Under the Act, the Council must meet at least once every three (3) calendar months. Council staff provide secretariat and other support to the Council. Currently, the Council is meeting on a monthly basis.
It is expected that Council members will be:
- committed to implementing pharmacy business ownership regulation in Queensland in accordance with the Act;
- effective listeners and verbal communicators, with the ability to apply legislation in a compliance environment;
- highly organised, with attention to detail and the ability to work well under pressure;
- capable of making fair, balanced, consistent and timely decisions when performing the functions of the Council;
- a person of integrity with a commitment to understanding and fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of the Council and maintaining knowledge in this regard.
General Information
Closing date for applications is Midnight (AEST) Friday 20 February 2026.
Following the recruitment and selection of nominees, the actual appointment of nominees can take an extended period because of government processes. There is often a significant time period between submitting your application and notification of the outcome of your application.
2026 Pharmacy Business Ownership Council Appointment timeline
- Expression of Interest open - 30 January- 20 February 2026
- Application review period - Late February 2026
- Interviews - Late February 2026
- Endorsement of nominees and government approval process under the Pharmacy Business Ownership Act 2024 - Mid-June to early August 2026
- Commencement of appointments - 1 September 2026
Members are to be paid remuneration and allowances as decided by the Governor in Council and hold office on the terms and conditions decided by the Governor in Council.
Remuneration and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses will be in line with the Queensland Government Remuneration Procedures for Part-time Chairs and Members of Queensland Government Bodies. Currently, members including the Deputy Chairperson receive annual fees of $7,500.
Personal residency status must enable an applicant to legitimately live and work in Australia.
In accordance with the Remuneration procedures for part-time chairs and members of Queensland Government bodies, public sector employees selected for progression to the Minister for appointment will require certification from their Chief Executive that their proposed appointment is not connected in any way with their employment.
As such, public sector employees will only be eligible to receive fees when undertaking Council business outside the hours they would normally be expected to work, or when they are on unpaid leave.
Where applicable, the department will facilitate any such certification as required.
Personal information will be treated as confidential and will only be used or accessed by authorised persons for the purposes connected with your current application, and should you be successful in appointment, to ensure an accurate record of nominees and appointees to statutory bodies.
Personal information collected by the Department of Health (or its Suppliers such as a specialist recruitment agency) is handled in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009. The personal information provided by you will be securely stored and made available only to appropriately authorised officers. Personal information recorded on this form will not be disclosed to other parties without your consent, unless required by law.
Personal information may be disclosed as part of the recruitment process, for example, in contacting referees or obtaining certification of public sector employee nominees. Names of successful applicants appointed by the Minister may be published on the Queensland Health website and added to the Queensland Register of Appointees to Government Bodies[1], which provides information about all Government bodies.
[1] https://www.premiers.qld.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/qld-appointees-register.aspx
Initial shortlisting will be undertaken following the close of the application period. Applicants selected for progression will be contacted to provide additional documentation to support a range of required probity checks. Probity checks will be initiated on a confidential basis.
As statutory appointees, the Queensland Cabinet Handbook requires a range of probity checks to be undertaken on potential Council members which include:
· a review of any conflicts of interest;
· a national criminal history search;
· searches of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s banned and disqualified register and bankruptcy index; and
· a review of the Queensland lobbying register, and other internet‑based searches.
Applicants should note that disclosure of conflicts of interest or convictions for an offence may not preclude progression to appointment as each instance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Referee checks may also be undertaken by Watermark for all applicants selected for progression. Your nominated referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.
Please note that a request for any probity documentation does not necessarily indicate that your nomination will be successful.
Key Selection Criteria
For Member Applicants
The Minister may only recommend a person for appointment as a member if satisfied:
(a) the person is—
(i) an individual who owns a licensed pharmacy business in Queensland; or
(ii) a director of a corporation that owns a licensed pharmacy business in Queensland; or
(iii) a practising pharmacist who is an employee of a licensed pharmacy business; or
(b) the person has qualifications or experience in 1 or more of the following areas:
(i) accounting;
(ii) business;
(iii) financial management;
(iv) law;
(v) carrying on a pharmacy business;
(vi) another area that:
A. in the Minister’s opinion, qualifies the person to represent consumers of pharmacy services; or
B. the Minister considers appropriate or beneficial to the performance of the Council’s functions
Experience in governance, regulatory practice and law will be highly regarded.
Your Personal Statement
Personal statements for member positions must not exceed two (2) pages and should address the following criteria:
1. The reason for your interest in being a member of the Council
2. How you think you will be able to add value to the Council in performing its role through your skills, knowledge and experience
3. Demonstrated experience in relation to assessing and promoting compliance with legislative frameworks, and associated processes
4. Ability to analyse information, identify issues and problem solve
5. Evidence of ability to constructively build and manage stakeholder relationships
6. Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
7. Current, up-to-date details of two (2) professional referees (name, contact number, email and relationship, including years known), preferably a recent direct manager.
Please note that referees will only be contacted where applicants are shortlisted for progression to the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services.
For Deputy Chairperson Applicants
In addition to the membership criteria above, applicants for the Deputy Chairperson position must also demonstrate, in a combined statement not exceeding three (3) pages in length:
- Experience in leading and directing the activities of a comparative entity to ensure it performs its functions appropriately.
- Ability to engage with relevant stakeholders around the work of the Council.
Applicant Process
Instructions for making an application:
Step 1 - Prepare your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Personal Statement:
- Member applications: no more than two (2) pages in length for each document.
- Deputy Chairperson applicants: CV should be no more than two (2) pages in length. Personal Statement no more than three (3) in length.
Note: Applicants who wish to apply for Deputy Chairperson and member positions are encouraged to complete an application for the Deputy Chairperson role, nominating their interest in also being considered for a member position. In this instance, only one three-page personal statement is required.
Step 2 - Complete Online application Form and upload CV and Personal Statement:
- The online application form can be found below ("Ready to Apply?")
- Click the 'apply here' button and complete the application form.
- Upload your CV and Personal Statement where prompted.
Watermark Contact Information
If you require further information about the opportunities or the application process, please contact:
Will Wilson, Partner, Watermark
Mobile: 0499 920 848
Email: will.wilson@watermarksearch.com.au
Alison Myatt, Head of Research, Watermark
Mobile: 0412 630 817