Tasmanians to benefit from greater support for pharmacists

17 July 2025

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Tasmanian Labor Party’s commitment to expanding support for pharmacists ahead of this weekend’s state election.

 

Both Tasmanian Labor and the Tasmanian Liberals have committed to improving the community’s access to care by expanding pharmacist scope of practice, supporting community pharmacies to stay open later, and growing access to essential medicines like contraception and vaccines. Tasmanian Labor has also committed to continuing reform on interstate prescription regulations which commenced in the last parliament.

 

PSA Tasmania Vice-President David Peachey MPS said pharmacists are contributing more to Tasmanians health than ever before.

 

“Pharmacists across Tasmania are playing an increasingly important role in providing accessible, timely healthcare to our communities, with these commitments giving us more tools in our toolkits to be able to help,” Mr Peachey said.

 

“Training more pharmacists to deliver expanded scope services like we’re seeing in other parts of the country will not only free up appointments with primary care providers, but will also save Tasmanians time and money when getting the care they need.

 

“PSA looks forward to working with the next Tasmanian government to deliver on these promises and more to improve the health system for all Tasmanians.”

 

 

 

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

SA pharmacists funded to deliver free flu vaccines for children under 5

7 July 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the South Australian Government’s decision to fund pharmacist-administered influenza vaccines for children aged six months to under five years – a vital step to improve access and protect more young children from serious illness.

 

Flu is a very serious infection for babies and children under five, and can lead to middle ear infections and croup as well as hospitalisation for associated bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

 

With 78.4% of South Australian children between 6 months and 5 years old are currently unvaccinated against influenza, more needs to be done to improve access to lifesaving childhood vaccinations.

 

Now free flu vaccines for young children are not only available through GPs and local councils, but also through community pharmacists, making it easier and fairer to access protection against influenza.

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS said the announcement improved equity of access, regardless of where consumers choose to get vaccinated.

 

“Pharmacists are some of the most accessible health professionals in the community. This change allows families to choose their local pharmacy without worrying about the cost. Importantly, it means our little ones will be protected against flu and its complications avoiding a doctor visit, hospitalisation, missing childcare or kindy, or their parent/carer needing to take time off work to care for them” Dr Manya Angley FPS said.

 

“Acknowledging the great work already done by GPs and Local Councils in vaccinating young children, the inclusion of community pharmacists will further boost flu vaccination rates in this vulnerable age group.”

 

“It is further recognition by the Government of the role of pharmacists in delivering convenient, timely, affordable care and removes financial barriers for families seeking protection for their children.

 

“We look forward to continuing to work with the SA Government to boost vaccination rates through pharmacists,” Dr Angley concluded.

 

All South Australian pharmacists are urged to ensure they are ready to deliver vaccination for children under five, reaffirming competence with the PSA Immunisation Refresher.

 

 

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

PSA Board commences 2025-26 term

1 July 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the re-election of Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS as National President for a fourth and final term. The PSA Board unanimously endorsed A/Prof Sim’s continued leadership, recognising her unwavering commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession across Australia.

 

Canberra academic leader and credentialed pharmacist Mark Naunton MPS CredPharm (MMR, ACOP) and Sydney proprietor and community pharmacist Caroline Diamantis FPS are both returned as National Vice Presidents, while Brooke Shelly FPS CredPharm (MMR) joins as Victorian Branch Committee-appointed Director.

 

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be re-elected to lead PSA and the profession I’m so proud to be part of,” said Associate Professor Sim.

 

“I thank the PSA Board for their confidence in me and extend my heartfelt gratitude to every PSA member for your continued support. It is a privilege to lead the organisation that represents our beloved profession.

 

“On behalf of the Board I recognise and thank Dr Amy Page for her service to the Board over the last 12 months and welcome Brooke Shelly for the upcoming term.

 

“Everything we do at PSA is in service of our members and in pursuit of a single purpose: to support pharmacists to deliver safe, effective, person-centred care,” she said.

 

As she enters her final term, A/Prof Sim has reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening PSA’s governance and leadership capacity, with a focus on facilitating a seamless leadership transition during the final term while continuing to serve on the Board.

 

“Over the coming months we are continuing to build PSA Board’s capability and ensuring a smooth transition to a new leader when the time comes. We have a strong, dedicated and talented Board, and I am confident in our collective ability to continue delivering for our members and our profession,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

 

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

“Time for action”: Australia’s CDC backs pharmacists full scope vaccination

13 June 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) renews its calls for national harmonisation of pharmacist immunisers scope, echoing recommendations made in the National Immunisation Strategy 2025-2030 released on Thursday.

 

Vaccination authorities are regulated by states and territories, many of whom have expanded pharmacist vaccination scope to varying degrees. The result, however, is a health system that limits access to lifesaving vaccines.

 

As the peak professional body for pharmacists, PSA believes pharmacist immunisers should no longer be subject to arbitrary red tape that prevents them from delivering certain vaccines.

 

Instead, PSA has long advocated for all states and territories to allow pharmacist immunisers to administer all vaccines, to patients of all ages.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said a nationally consistent approach to regulating vaccination is a critical step to improving uptake within the community.

 

“There should be no wrong door when it comes to vaccination,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Harmonising the regulation of pharmacist-administered vaccines is overdue. It just makes sense. Now it has been recommended by a number of policy leaders from the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control to the Grattan Institute.

 

“Now is the time for all stakeholders – state governments, federal government, peak bodies, vaccine providers and Australian patients – to come together and make the changes needed to ensure all Australians have equal access to preventative health care.

 

“PSA has said previously that the Australian Immunisation Handbook should be the national standard for defining vaccine formularies, instead of relying on complex regulatory instruments unique to each state and territory. The National Immunisation Strategy has supported this approach. Now it’s time for action.”

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“Regardless of where someone lives, whether in metropolitan or remote Australia, whether in New South Wales or Western Australia, everyone should be able to go to any vaccination provider and receive the vaccines they need.”

 

PSA also supports all other recommendations of the National Immunisation Strategy and congratulates the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control​ for the development of such a robust vision for vaccination in Australia. We welcome the focus on improved transparency and use of data, workforce development and drive greater equity in design of vaccination programs.

 

PSA is committed to working with government as a partner in its implementation.

 

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

Become the voice of pharmacist immunisers with the Vaccination Ambassador program

13 June 2025

 

Today the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) launches its campaign to find the face of its first pharmacist Vaccination Ambassador program.

 

This new initiative will see the appointment of a passionate pharmacist as PSA Vaccination Ambassador, serving as the national voice of pharmacist immunisers and championing the profession’s role in vaccination through media, engagement and advocacy.

 

The Ambassador will receive training and ongoing support from PSA to represent the profession in public forums, advocate for expanded pharmacist vaccination scope, and promote vaccine uptake among Australians.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS called on passionate pharmacist immunisers to step forward for an opportunity to have a national impact.

 

“More Australians are accessing vaccinations through their local community pharmacist than ever before, but there is always more we can do to drive the national conversation on immunisation,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“We can’t wait to help someone share their passion and drive for immunisation, to inspire and be an ambassador for our profession.”

 

In addition to PSA support, the successful applicant will receive media training, speaking opportunities, and support to attend PSA25 through the program.

 

“We’re excited to be working with GSK and Pfizer to empower our Vaccination Ambassador with specialised media training and national speaking engagements – all part of advocating for the profession at the highest levels.

 

“If you’re an advocate for the profession and committed to improving public health outcomes through accessible, evidence-based care, I encourage you to put yourself forward to be our inaugural PSA Vaccination Ambassador,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

Applications for the PSA Vaccination Ambassador program are open now and will close on 30 June 2025. Interested pharmacists are invited to submit their video applications via the online form.
Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

The countdown is on for PSA25

12 June 2025

 

The countdown is on, with only 50 days until the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) kicks off its premier national conference, PSA25, in Sydney.

 

From 1-3 August, pharmacists and industry leaders from around the country will come together to learn, inspire and connect with their profession.

 

With a wide-reaching and in-depth education program, PSA25 offers something for every pharmacist whether you’re just starting out, expanding your scope, or leading in your area of practice.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS called for pharmacists to secure their place at PSA25 to take their professional growth to the next level.

 

“With patient health needs and expectations growing, our profession must keep pace and evolve with it. We want to do more, and we know we can do more, but it requires all of us to constantly affirm our commitment to strengthening our practice.

 

“Our focus for PSA25 is to empower pharmacists with essential knowledge and skills, from a strong foundation to the passion areas that make each pharmacist’s practice unique.

“Full scope of practice, dermatology, artificial intelligence and vaccination are dominant themes in this years’ program, reflecting feedback from members in our 2024 Member Census.

 

“There really is something for everyone at PSA25, no matter where you practice. Now’s the time to secure your spot,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

The PSA25 program features more than 40 education, policy and professional development sessions. Highlights include:

• Opening Plenary & Excellence Awards – Celebrate pharmacy’s best and brightest as we kick off PSA25 with inspiration and recognition.
• Policy panels – Hear from Australia’s leading pharmacists and health policymakers on the hot issues affecting our profession.
• Masterclass: Cracking the code of cardiovascular events – Deepen your clinical expertise in managing one of Australia’s leading health burdens.
• Pharmacy Shark Tank in partnership with the PSA Foundation – Witness innovation in action as pharmacists pitch bold ideas to transform practice.
• Keynote: Dr Louise Schaper – “When the Smartest Person in the Room Isn’t a Person”
• Driving higher vaccination rates – Learn how pharmacists can drive the shift from meeting demand, to growing demand.
• Workshop: Pharmacists and wound care – Discuss how pharmacists are expanding scope into chronic wound management.
• Championing change for endometriosis care – Explore how pharmacists can support better outcomes for people with endometriosis.
• Early Career Pharmacists panel – Hear from emerging leaders on navigating and shaping your pharmacy journey.

 

With sessions tailored to every career stage and practice setting, PSA25 is the must-attend event for pharmacists who want to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving pharmacy landscape.

 

Registrations are open now at https://www.psa25.com.au/

 

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

Pharmacists recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

9 June 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates the pharmacists recognised in today’s King’s Birthday Honours.

 

• Mr Silas Banks OAM for service to the pharmacy profession.
• Mr Phillip Ledger OAM for service to the pharmaceutical industry and to the community.
• Mr Gary Pollard OAM MPS for service to the community of Yea, Victoria.
• Mr Ian Shanks OAM MPS for service to the community through charitable organisations.
• Dr Karin Walduck OAM for service to community hockey.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated the recipients.

 

“On behalf of the pharmacy profession I extend my warmest congratulations to the outstanding pharmacists recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists play a vital role in the lives of Australians, and the recognition of our colleagues in the King’s Birthday Honours is a testament to their exceptional service, leadership, and dedication not only to pharmacy, but as pillars of their communities.

 

“Their work inspires us all to continue striving for excellence in everything we do as pharmacists and active members of the community. Congratulations to all.”

 

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

Fourth 24/7 pharmacy announced in South Australia

2 June 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the opening of Adelaide’s fourth 24/7 pharmacy, providing around-the-clock access to pharmacist care and expert advice.

 

Terry White Chemmart Hallett Cove will join three existing 24-hour pharmacies around Adelaide, providing non-urgent advice and care for families, workers and others who need access to healthcare outside usual working hours.

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS joined Premier Peter Malinauskas, Treasurer Stephen Mullighan, Health Minister Chris Picton and Member for Black Alex Dighton at Terry White Chemmart Hallett Cove.

 

“You never know when you’ll need health advice, medicines or support,” Dr Angley said. “Having 24-hour access to pharmacist advice is a game changer for so many South Australians.”

 

“The opening of a fourth 24/7 pharmacy in Adelaide means more people can access pharmacist services, from treatment for uncomplicated UTIs to palliative care medicines to mental health first aid.

 

“Pharmacists are highly skilled, trusted healthcare practitioners, and more South Australians can now have greater confidence that they can access a pharmacist when they need it most.”

 

On Sunday Minister Picton also announced a $2.2 million investment over three years to drive expanding scope of practice, including support for the work of the Office of the Chief Pharmacist and financial support for pharmacists to meet the additional costs of undertaking full scope training.

 

“This is welcome investment in pharmacists operating to full and top of scope and our growing role in providing timely, accessible and safe care to South Australians,” Dr Angley said.

 

“As the peak professional body for all pharmacists, we’re looking forward to continuing to work with the South Australian Government and Chief Pharmacist Naomi Burgess to give South Australians better access to care by unlocking the full potential of our state’s pharmacists.”

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