To many of those watching from the outside, the radical expansion of pharmacy scope of practice in NSW has felt like a done deal, one made in smoke-filled rooms behind locked doors.

Earlier this month, Premier Chris Minns stood before the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Sydney conference, trying to find the words to capture the depth of his gratitude.

“I really love this relationship between myself, my government and the guild,” he told delegates as he announced a new trial involving pharmacists diagnosing, treating and prescribing for ear infections and wounds, along with having a greater role in managing chronic conditions.

He then added that he would not back down from his pharmacy reforms in the face of opposition from those with “an interest in the status quo”.