Tasmanian budget delivers crucial investment to take pharmacist-led care to the next level

21 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed investments that will strengthen access to pharmacist-led care, delivered today by the Treasurer, the Hon. Eric Abetz, in the 2026-27 Tasmanian State Budget. 

 

The 2026-27 Tasmanian State Budget has outlined: 

• $1 million to fund scholarships for more pharmacists to undertake expanded scope of practice training,  

• $1 million in funding for community pharmacy grants – with up to $125,000 per pharmacy to support access to after-hours care, and 

• $20 million over four years to The Health Revolution: 20-Year Preventative Health Strategy.  

 

PSA Tasmanian Branch President, Joanne Gross MPS, said PSA has long been advocating for pharmacist scholarships to support the growing role of pharmacists in Australia’s healthcare system.  

 

“Pharmacists play a crucial role as one of Australia’s most accessible healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and regional centres, which makes these investments so important in expanding the range of services we can provide for our patients,” she said. 

 

“This is a practical step forward which will improve access to timely assessment and treatments for many patients. As more pharmacists undertake prescribing training, patients will have greater access to treatments for conditions such as ear infections and urinary tract infections, alongside access to hormonal contraception.”  

 

Ms Gross also welcomed support for greater after-hours pharmacist care: 

 

“Healthcare doesn’t stop at the end of the working day. Patients still need access to healthcare after hours, which is why we’re so pleased to welcome grants that expand access to after-hours pharmacy care.”

 

The PSA commends the Tasmanian Government on these initiatives and looks forward to working alongside them to deliver safer, more accessible healthcare for Tasmanians.

 

The PSA is currently taking enrolments for Tasmanian pharmacists in our Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing course. More information is available here.  

 

 

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.