ACT pharmacists empowered to deliver more care
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the ACT Government’s announcement to expand pharmacist scope of practice, enabling pharmacists to deliver more accessible care to Canberrans.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said trained pharmacists would be able to provide a broader range of services to manage common conditions such as mild musculoskeletal pain, reflux, rhinitis, acne, and nausea. These services build on existing pharmacist-led care for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), resupply of the oral contraceptive pill, and skin conditions.
The Pharmacist Vaccination Standards will also be amended to allow pharmacists and interns to administer influenza vaccines to children aged two and older, lowering the current minimum age from five. Importantly, the Government has confirmed that Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods (MPTG) licensing requirements will be streamlined, with pharmacists expected to deliver UTI and OCP services without the need for additional licensing by the end of 2025. Access to expanded skin condition services is anticipated to follow in early 2026.
PSA ACT President Erin Cooper said the announcement was a significant step forward in improving access to care for Canberrans.
“We warmly welcome and congratulate the ACT Government on this important initiative,” Ms Cooper said. “Pharmacists are trusted, accessible health professionals who are ready to do more. These changes will make it easier for families to access timely care close to home. This is a win for patients and a win for the ACT health system. We look forward to working with the government to ensure pharmacists are supported with the training and resources needed to deliver these services safely and effectively.”
The PSA continues to lead national efforts to support pharmacist scope of practice reform, ensuring pharmacists can meet the evolving health needs of their communities.
Media contact: M: 0480 099 798 E: david.westman@psa.org.au
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.
