Pharmacists welcome re-elected Albanese Labor Government

5 May 2025

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their re-election over the weekend and looks forward to working further toward our shared goal of a stronger, more accessible health system for all Australians.

In building on the work of the last term of Parliament, PSA is committed to working with the government to advance professional pharmacist practice. This includes PSA’s continued role representing the pharmacy profession on the Primary Care and Workforce Reviews Taskforce, the shared work plan outlined in the Strategic Agreement for Pharmacist Professional Practice and formulating an agreement on pharmacy programs outside of the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement.

PSA particularly looks forward to working with the government to operationalise its commitment to a nation-wide community pharmacy trial boosting access to treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and hormonal contraception.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the new parliamentary term is an opportunity for a refreshed focus on timely, accessible and affordable healthcare by utilising all health professionals to their full scope.

“On behalf of all pharmacists, I extend my sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their re-election,” Associate Professor Sim said.

“As the government-recognised peak body for pharmacists in Australia, PSA remains committed to working with the federal government to ensure pharmacists are empowered and supported to practise to their full scope across the health system.

“Over the next parliamentary term, Australia will have to address the substantial workforce, patient health need and funding challenges facing our health system.

“We look forward to being a constructive and pragmatic partner of government in its response to the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce Review, which was handed down last November.

“PSA is committed to supporting the detailed and complex work required to implement its recommendations for a safer, more productive and sustainable health system.

“With the right support, pharmacists can do even more to improve medicine safety and further expand access to care. I look forward realising this vision over the next three years alongside the re-elected Albanese Government,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

PSA also credits the Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon. Mark Butler MP for his leadership and continued engagement with PSA on a range of issues in the health portfolio. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Minister in the coming term.

Neil Petrie named inaugural PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year

2 May 2025

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce Neil Petrie MPS CredPharm (MMR, ACOP) as the inaugural recipient of the PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year Award presented at the Consultant Pharmacists Conference (CPC25) in Adelaide today.

Sponsored by the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH), an evidence-based, independent publisher of key national medicines references including the AMH Aged Care Companion, the Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year award recognises excellence, leadership, and innovation in aged care pharmacy.

Presenting the inaugural award PSA recognises the nation-wide impact of Melbourne pharmacist Neil Petrie, who has dedicated more than 30 years to patients through his specialisation in medication management and aged care.

As one of the first pharmacists accredited to conduct medication reviews in 1998, Neil has delivered thousands of comprehensive medication reviews in aged care facilities across metropolitan and rural Victoria, resolving medication problems, improving facility-wide medicine practices, and significantly improving the quality of life for his patients.

Mr Petrie’s influence extends beyond clinical practice, having played a key role in updating national guidelines for medication reviews, contributing to research and advisory panels, and pioneering on-site pharmacist roles in aged care facilities. His commitment to collaborative care models has strengthened connections between pharmacists, GPs, and aged care staff to better support residents’ health and safety.

In 2019, he contributed to revising guidelines for comprehensive medication reviews and quality use of medicines. Most recently, he became one of the first aged care on-site pharmacists (ACOP) at Donwood Community Care in Victoria, reinforcing his leadership in integrating pharmacists into aged care teams.

Through his contributions to advisory panels, research initiatives, and professional organisations, Neil champions the pharmacy profession, ensuring that pharmacists’ expertise is fully utilised to support older Australians.

For his lifelong dedication, innovative contributions, and unwavering commitment to aged care pharmacy, Neil is a highly deserving candidate for the inaugural PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist Award 2025. His generous mentorship and his profound impact on the profession and the lives of aged care residents makes him a standout nominee for this prestigious recognition.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said Mr Petrie was a most deserving recipient of the inaugural award.

“PSA is proud to honour Neil Petrie as the inaugural PSA AMH Aged Care Pharmacist of the Year, recognising a career dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of older Australians, leading the embedding of pharmacists in aged care,” Associate Professor Sim said.

“Recognising pharmacists like Neil reinforces the vital contribution our profession makes to the care of older Australians and inspires continued excellence in aged care pharmacy practice.”

AMH Chief Executive Officer David Dart congratulated Mr Petrie on his inspiring representation of the pharmacy profession.

“AMH is pleased to be associated with and a sponsor of this inaugural award in recognising outstanding contribution by a pharmacist to the practice of Aged Care Pharmacy. We congratulate the recipient and wish them continued success.”

Chair of PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest (CSI) Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) also paid tribute to Mr Petrie’s leadership.

“Anyone who has met Neil knows his passion for improving the care we provide older Australians,” Ms Hawthorne said.

“His work not only improves individual patient outcomes but has also contributes to the systemic improvements in medicine safety and quality use of medicines in residential aged care.

“We are proud to celebrate Neil’s achievements, which highlight the critical role consultant pharmacists play in driving better health outcomes and quality of life for older Australians.”

PSA congratulates Neil Petrie on this significant achievement and thanks the Australian Medicines Handbook for supporting the inaugural award, which will continue to spotlight excellence in aged care pharmacy practice in years to come.

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Angus Thompson named PSA MIMS Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year

2 May 2025

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce Angus Thompson MPS as the 2025 PSA MIMS Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year.

Presented today at the Consultant Pharmacist Conference (CPC25) in Adelaide, Mr Thompson is recognised for his outstanding contribution to consultant pharmacy, his tireless advocacy for medication review services, and his commitment to supporting the next generation of credentialed pharmacists.

A consultant pharmacist with more than a decade of experience, Angus has completed over 2,000 medication reviews since becoming credentialed in 2013. He has worked tirelessly to improve medicines safety for vulnerable populations, particularly for people living with disabilities. Alongside his clinical work, Angus is a Clinical Editor and Pharmacist Consultant for Primary Health Tasmania, a Senior Lecturer in Prescribing Principles for the National Prescribing Curriculum (NPC) Program at the University of Tasmania, and a Subject Matter Expert for the Australian Pharmacy Council.

Mr Thompson is widely recognised as a leading advocate for the sustainability and growth of Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs), launching a national petition in 2023 that garnered more than 2,750 signatures, and leading efforts to raise consumer awareness and political support for the HMR program.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said: “Angus Thompson embodies the vital role of credentialed pharmacists in improving patient outcomes, advancing professional practice, and shaping the future of our profession.”

“Through his clinical excellence, advocacy, and mentorship, Angus has made an extraordinary contribution not only to the health of Tasmanians but to consultant pharmacy nationally. PSA is proud to recognise his dedication and impact with this prestigious award.”

Robert Best, CEO of MIMS Australia and New Zealand, added: “MIMS is delighted to continue to sponsor the PSA Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year award, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of consultant pharmacists towards medication safety and patient care.”

“Angus’ advocacy has played a pivotal role in increasing awareness and support for Home Medication Reviews. It is with immense pleasure that we recognise Angus’ dedication towards better medication management and is a well deserving recipient of this award.”

Chair of PSA’s Community of Specialty Interest for Consultant Pharmacists Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) said: “Angus is a nationally recognised voice of consultant pharmacy, championing the value of medication reviews and the important role we play in improving the health and quality of life of our patients.”

“His leadership, generosity in supporting colleagues, and fearless advocacy continues to strengthen our profession. Angus is a most deserving recipient of the 2025 Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year award.”

PSA congratulates Angus Thompson on this well-deserved recognition and thanks MIMS Australia for their continued support of the Credentialed Pharmacist of the Year award.

Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Pharmacists and GPs united on the value of multidisciplinary care

1 May 2025

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) have joined forces to call on parties to fund general practice-based pharmacists to work with specialist GPs to support high-quality prescribing.

Funding for practices to add more non-dispensing pharmacists, nurses, psychologists, and other health professionals to practice teams is part of the RACGP’s comprehensive plan for accessible and affordable care for all Australia.

The PSA is also advocating for doubled funding to support the employment of general practice-based pharmacists in as part of its 2025 federal election platform.

Multidisciplinary care already happens in general practice teams, but it needs secure funding and strong relationships with GPs to leverage the full benefits.

Non-dispensing pharmacists in general practice answer queries, monitor prescribing, and conduct medicine reviews. They help patients understand their medicines and any changes and ensure safe and effective medicine use.

Economic analysis has shown adding non-dispensing pharmacists to general practice teams could deliver around $545 million in net savings to the health system over four years through fewer hospital admissions and reduced medicine use.

Trials of general practice-based pharmacists have reported excellent feedback from both patients and GPs.

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said boosting funding to add pharmacists and other health professionals to join general practice teams would deliver immediate and long-term benefits.

“People with chronic illness get the best care when their specialist GP works with pharmacists and other health professionals in multidisciplinary care teams,” he said.

“Pharmacists, GPs and non-GP specialists, nurses, and other allied health professionals like dietitians and psychologists all apply different skills to benefit our patients. Most practices provide multidisciplinary care, and most GPs want to grow their teams to better serve our patients.

“For patients, funding will mean faster and easier access to care from an allied health professional who’s working closely with their specialist GP.”

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said practice-based pharmacists would improve patients’ access to high-quality care.

“Australia is facing an avalanche of chronic health conditions, requiring more significant, advanced, and complex care from all healthcare professionals,” she said.

“We must support our healthcare system to meet this demand by investing in multidisciplinary care now, supporting GPs to grow their teams and foster greater pharmacist-GP collaboration to achieve true patient-centred care.

“Pharmacists make an invaluable contribution to and within the general practice team. This investment would directly benefit our health system, reduce costs for patients, and most importantly, improve prescribing safety and quality care.”

Dr Wright said adding pharmacists to practice teams will improve patient education and safety.

“Practice-based pharmacists can talk to patients about how their medication works and educate them about safe use. Where a medication is no longer necessary, a pharmacist can identify opportunities to deprescribe,” he said.

“That support is especially valuable for older patients, who too often are admitted to hospital due to adverse drug events, and benefit from clear communication and an optimal medicine regimen as they transition into aged care.

“Funding practices to grow their teams with nurses and allied health professionals like pharmacists will immediately improve access to care for Australians and reduce costs to them and the health system. Long-term, it’ll improve care for patients with chronic illnesses, improve health and wellbeing, and mean fewer people end up in hospital.”

RACGP media contact:   P: 03 8699 0992    E: media@racgp.org.au

PSA media contact: Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: Flu vaccine urgent to help protect asthma patients this winter

29 April 2025

The National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) are urging health professionals to talk to their asthma patients about why they need to get the flu vaccine without delay.

Predictions of an early and severe influenza season have made this even more critical with between 60 to 70 per cent of asthma attacks due to viral infections such as the common cold or influenza.

Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby, Clinical Executive Lead at the NAC, said health professionals play an important role in encouraging patients to get their influenza vaccine and make sure they are protected.

“Visits to the GP or pharmacy can provide the perfect opportunity to remind patients that the flu vaccine will remain effective for up to five months and provide immunity right throughout the flu season.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said it is important to stress that patients shouldn’t wait until the peak of the flu season before getting vaccinated.

“It’s still early in the season and we’re already seeing record numbers of flu cases. The latest figures show more than 67,000 laboratory-confirmed cases already this year, with cases expected to jump even higher once the cooler months hit.

“Vaccination is the best protection against severe illness. We are encouraging all Australians living with asthma to visit their local community pharmacy and speak to their pharmacist about immunisation as soon as possible.

“Every time a pharmacist dispenses a medicine for asthma management it is an opportunity to discuss influenza vaccination,” she said.

Clinical Associate Professor Rigby said that it was significant that higher risk Australians, including children and adults with asthma, now have access to free influenza vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

“Asthma patients should be reminded that they can easily access this via thousands of community pharmacies across Australia who offer flu vaccinations and many even offer walk-in appointments.

“Each year 25 to 30 per cent of influenza vaccines are delivered by community pharmacy, so when patients come in to fill their asthma medication script, it is the perfect time to speak to them about also getting their flu vaccine.

“Now is also the ideal time for patients to schedule an annual asthma review with their GP to assess if they need to make any changes to their asthma medications and update their written asthma action plan so they stay well over winter,” said Clinical Associate Professor Rigby.

The NAC has also released a ‘10 myths about influenza’ fact sheet in time for the flu season that patients can download.

NAC media contact: Donna Le Page, Le Page PR, M: 0412 797 937 Email: donna@lepage-pr.com.au

PSA media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Quality Use of Medicines Alliance expanding into new clinical topics

15 April 2025

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is continuing its work as part of the Quality Use of Medicines Alliance, a multidisciplinary group of health and consumer organisations delivering free health education for a national audience of health professionals and consumers.

Building on its existing suite of resources, the QUM Alliance is expanding into new topic areas including menopause, secondary stroke prevention, antidepressants in teens and young adults, osteoporosis, and complex comorbidity.

Supported by the Australian Government’s Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology (QUDTP) Program, the addition of these new topics builds on the work of the QUM Alliance in atopic dermatitis (eczema), gout, antidepressants in older people, and oral anticoagulants in people with atrial fibrillation over the past two years.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said: “PSA is proud to be a part of the QUM Alliance, championing the collaborative learning of all health professionals on some of Australia’s most prevalent health issues.”

“PSA is leading the way for QUM education, representing the pharmacy profession and working closely with other Alliance members to upskill not only pharmacists but also other health professionals and consumers.

“We look forward to continuing this important work over the next three years, and encourage pharmacists across all areas of practice to engage with the QUM Alliance resources,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

Current PSA education offerings produced as part of the QUM Alliance are available here.

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au