PSA welcomes expanded scope of practice for NT
12 May 2026
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has applauded the Finocchiaro government’s announcement to expand the scope of practice for Northern Territory (NT) pharmacists.
Patients in the Northern Territory will be able to visit participating local pharmacies where trained pharmacists can assess, diagnose, and manage or treat 21 common conditions, where clinically appropriate.
2025 PSA Symbion Pharmacist of the Year, Jaimee Anderson MPS, who lives and works in Katherine, NT, has warmly welcomed the announcement.
“This has the potential to streamline services and provide access, particularly during the tourist season, when demand outnumbers the capacity of primary health services,” she said.
“We know that the tourist season sees a rise in the number of people needing healthcare services. Pharmacist prescribing can and will reduce the burden on GPs during periods of increasing demand.
“This announcement is the right move for the NT and is sure to be well received by patients, healthcare professionals, and travellers.”
PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the announcement is a step forward for pharmacists to deliver frontline health care.
“People living in the Northern Territory will be able to receive treatment, advice, and medicines from appropriately trained local pharmacists for a number of common health conditions,” said Professor Naunton.
“We expect this to ease the pressure on primary health networks, reduce hospital presentations, and support the Territory’s health system overall.
“We look forward to working with the Northern Territory government and pharmacists to ensure patients continue to receive safe, high-quality healthcare.”
The PSA’s Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program is now taking enrolments, with eligible pharmacists able to access a training subsidy of up to $8,500 for successful completion of the course.
Further information regarding PSA’s Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Program can be found here: https://www.psa.org.au/pharmacist-prescribing-scope-of-practice-training-program/#1764307925514-bf27e406-fd28
More information following the announced changes in the NT can be accessed here: https://findapharmacy.com.au/nt-services
Media contact: Leah Jacobsen
M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@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.
