‘A big step forward, more steps yet to come’ PSA urges further removal of barriers to vaccination in Tasmania

2 March 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has strongly welcomed a significant step forward in access to vaccination in Tasmania following a broadening of the Tasmanian Authorised Pharmacist Immuniser and Program Guidelines, with pharmacist immunisers now able to initiate and administer a greater range of vaccines to children than ever before.

 

From today, children aged 2-5 years will be able to access their 2026 influenza vaccine from a pharmacist immuniser. Authorised pharmacist immunisers will also be able to initiate and administer a greater range of vaccines to children aged between five and ten years.

 

The PSA recognises these changes as a big step forward, and an important strategy to address declining vaccination rates in vulnerable and priority population groups. However, PSA is urging the government to go further in removing access barriers to vaccination by adopting the Australian Immunisation Handbook as the Tasmanian pharmacist immuniser formulary.

 

This call follows the Tasmanian government’s pre-election commitments and recent regulatory changes in South Australia and Queensland, permitting all vaccines to be initiated to individuals of all ages, consistent with the pharmacist immuniser’s personal scope of practice.

 

PSA’s Tasmanian President, Joanne Gross MPS, said that all vaccinators needed to be empowered to protect Tasmanians ahead of this winter:

 

“Last year was the deadliest influenza season in Australia this century. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all people aged 6 months and older. I strongly urge Tasmanians to be protected by influenza vaccination this winter,” she said.

 

“Pharmacists across Tasmania are really pleased by these improvements to access for childhood vaccination. Too often, we experience the frustration of parents who have needed to visit multiple vaccination providers to protect the whole family each year. These changes will largely remove this burden.”

 

These Guideline changes coincide with the introduction of an intranasal influenza vaccine (Flumist), which will be available for the first time in Australia this year:

 

“I know a lot of parents who will appreciate the option of a needle-free influenza vaccination for their child,” said Gross.

 

Ms Gross said PSA would work with the government to continue removing barriers to vaccination:

 

“We look forward to working with the government to see the realisation of their pre-election commitment to increase the range of vaccinations available from appropriately trained pharmacists in line with the Australian Immunisation Handbook, including vaccines for travel health,” she said.

 

PSA continues to support its members in vaccination, including updating PSA’s pharmacist state-by-state vaccination hub to reflect these latest changes.​

 

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.

PSA NSW Pharmacist Awards winners announced

Queensland unleashes the potential of pharmacist immunisers, PSA calls on other states to follows

6 February 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has strongly endorsed the announcement today by the Queensland Government’s announcement to support full-scope of practice for pharmacist immunisers.

 

The Crisafulli Government’s announcement will see legislation amended to enable trained health practitioners, including pharmacists, to vaccinate more age groups in more locations against more vaccine-preventable diseases across Queensland.

 

Queensland PSA President Hannah Knowles said the scope of practice reforms are critical for the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders, improving access, prevention and system resilience:

 

“When pharmacists are authorised to vaccinate more age groups and, in more settings, it removes unnecessary barriers to care and allows the health system to respond where demand actually exists, in the community.”

 

Ms Knowles reflected that the Australian community had strong confidence in pharmacist immunisers, who have become a core part of the vaccination workforce, as well as providing substantial surge capacity to vaccination campaigns during the Autumn and Winter periods of peak demand.

 

“Pharmacist immunisers safely administer millions of vaccines doses each year to protect Australians against vaccine-preventable diseases.  But up until now, pharmacist and patients have had to navigate complex regulations regarding legal authority to vaccinate which haven’t lined up with clinical recommendations. This has, in itself, become a barrier to vaccination,” she said.

 

“This change will mean pharmacist immunisers can administer vaccines to all patients where clinically appropriate and within their individual level of competency.”

 

PSA National President Professor Mark Naunton called on other jurisdictions to follow Queensland’s lead:

 

“I congratulate the Queensland Government for this common-sense announcement which will benefit patients. I urge state and territory government around Australia to join Queensland and South Australia in simplifying vaccination regulation so that it works for patients, rather than work against them.”

 

PSA also welcomed the announcement of a free-flu program in Queensland for 2026, which will include the needle-free nasal spray influenza vaccine for eligible children aged two to five years. This program will commence on 1 March 2026.

 

“Prevention only works if people can actually access services,” Ms Knowles said.

 

“By pairing an expanded free flu program with modernised scope of practice settings, the Government is addressing both supply and accessibility, which is exactly what’s needed to lift vaccination rates.”

 

Ms Knowles said enabling pharmacists to vaccinate broader cohorts supports health system sustainability by reducing avoidable hospitalisations and easing pressure on emergency departments during winter.

 

“Influenza leads to preventable hospital admissions every year, particularly among older Queenslanders, people with chronic disease and vulnerable communities,” she said.

 

“Recognising full scope of practice for pharmacist immunisers is a smart, evidence-based way to keep people well, reduce demand on hospitals, and ensure healthcare resources are used where they are needed most.”

 

PSA looks forward to working with the Queensland Government on implementing the expanded free influenza vaccination program and supporting the expanded scope of practice for pharmacists to ensure pharmacists continue to deliver safe, high-quality immunisation services across Queensland.

 

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.

“Implement them all”; PSA back every recommendation of the Pharmacy Programs Cost Effectiveness Review

22 December 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has thrown its full support behind every recommendation of the Deloitte Pharmacy Programs Cost Effectiveness Review’s Final Report which was released by the Australian Government today.

 

The review, undertaken by Deloitte on behalf of the Australian Government makes eight recommendations for reform of pharmacist-led programs to improve cost effectiveness and sustainability.

 

In particular the review’s recommendations proposed the removal of caps to providers of Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs), introduction of increased program flexibility, alternate funding mechanisms to incentivise service provision in rural and remote communities and introduction of effective evaluation frameworks which include quality outcome indicators.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim hailed the report’s recommendations.

 

“The review and its recommendations are vindication for Australian pharmacists who have been calling out for reform to these programs for many years. It recognises measures such as HMR caps mean consultant pharmacists are unable to make a full-time living from this life-saving work,” she said.

 

“Every recommendation is important, and PSA encourages the government to implement them all.  This report provides a blueprint for programs reform,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

PSA’s pharmacy agreements lead negotiator Associate Professor Shane Jackson echoed this sentiment, emphasising the report provides a clear pathway to reform:

 

“The review’s recommendations reinforce PSA’s long-held position on pharmacist program reforms,” he said.

 

“We will be using the upcoming budget processes to progress reforms through the First Pharmacy Programs Agreement, which have now been backed by the government’s own review. These reforms need to happen, and they need to happen as soon as possible,” A/Prof Jackson concluded.

 

The report is available at Pharmacy Programs Cost Effectiveness Review – Final Report

‘No longer an outlier’ Tasmanian pharmacists welcome interstate prescription rule change

3 December 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the passage of the Poisons Amendment (Interstate Prescriptions) Bill through the Tasmanian Legislative Council earlier today. The bill means Tasmania will no longer be an outlier in outlawing the dispensing of interstate prescriptions for Controlled Drugs (Schedule 8 medicines).

 

Under the changes, from early next year, Tasmanian pharmacists will be able to dispense a prescription for a Controlled Drug that has been issued interstate, as long as the prescription complies with the requirements of Tasmanian regulations.

 

This will include the psychostimulant medications commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), medicinal cannabis, opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines.

 

The Bill was welcomed by Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Tasmania President Joanne Gross MPS:

 

“We thank Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget Archer for progressing this small but significant regulatory change. It will reduce the stress – and in many cases panic – for Tasmanians and interstate travellers who require treatment with Controlled Drugs for conditions such as ADHD, chronic pain or for palliative care.

 

“This change is overdue. Real-time prescription monitoring and electronic prescribing initiatives have dramatically improved patient safety when prescribing and dispensing Controlled Drugs in recent years.

 

“Tasmania is a popular holiday destination with many interstate travellers unexpectedly finding themselves unable to have their prescriptions filled. These reforms will enable local pharmacists to provide continuity of medicine access for these travellers.”

 

“PSA has a long history of advocating for harmonisation of regulations and legislation across the country. We’re glad to see Tasmania address this long-standing barrier to patients accessing their essential medicines.”

 

“PSA is committed to supporting members through this change when it takes effect early next year.”

 

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. 

PSA applauds expanded prescribing scope for Victorian pharmacists: A win for patients

20 May 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Victorian Government’s commitment to support expanded scope of practice for pharmacists, which will improve access to safe and effective health care for Victorians across the state from their local pharmacist.

 

Announced as part of today’s 2025-26 Budget, the Victorian Government has announced an investment of $18 million to fund pharmacists to deliver expanded care through consultations in community pharmacies.

 

The number of conditions for which treatments will be prescribed by pharmacists will increase to 22 acute and chronic health conditions, aligning with the scope of existing post-graduate training offered to pharmacists by PSA in other jurisdictions.

 

Pharmacists who complete post-graduate training will be able to assess and treat additional conditions such as allergies, nausea and high blood pressure, giving Victorians greater flexibility in accessing care. Patients will be able to access the service without the cost of a consultation fee, at the place and time of their choosing.

 

The government has also announced all streams of the Victorian Community Pharmacy Statewide Pilot will become permanent, which includes treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI) and many skin conditions, as well as prescribing for ongoing hormonal contraceptive and travel health vaccination.

 

The state government will fund pharmacist consultation fees for the expanded program, so patients will be able to access the care they need without an out-of-pocket cost. Victorians will save time and money with this investment.

 

PSA Victorian President Dr Amy Page FPS applauded the announcement, saying the move represents significant progress towards realising the full potential of pharmacists after similar recent announcements in other states.

 

“In Victoria, around the country and overseas, consumers have valued the ability to access safe and effective treatment of conditions such as uncomplicated urinary tract infections and shingles. And they have also appreciated being able to access hormonal contraception and an increasing range of travel health services from more providers.

 

“I commend the government for placing health equity front and centre in the program design. Unlike other states, Victorians will have access to consultations with pharmacist without an out-of-pocket consultation fee, which is so important in helping people in vulnerable priority populations to access care”.

 

“There should be no wrong doors to our health system; clearly defined referral pathways will mean all consumers to seek to access these services are triaged and directed to the appropriate level of care for their needs.”

 

“I want to recognise Premier Jacinta Allan and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas for their leadership and their recognition of the skills and medicines expertise of pharmacists. PSA looks forward to working closely with the state government to deliver more accessible, safe and effective care for all Victorians” Dr Page concluded.

 

Vale Prof Gabrielle Cooper OAM

Media release: 24 April 2025

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Gabrielle Cooper OAM, who died yesterday (23 April) after a short illness.

 

Prof. Cooper was one of Australia’s most esteemed pharmacists, who demonstrated a relentless and career-long commitment to the pharmacy profession over many decades. Her career spanned a wide variety of practice settings, leadership roles and academia.

 

Prof. Cooper served on PSA’s ACT Branch Committee from 2009-2016, which included serving as PSA’s first ACT Branch President (twice) from 2009, and fulfilling the role of PSA National Board Director between 2011 and 2013. PSA’s ACT branch awarded her the ACT Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.

 

Prof. Cooper graduated from the University of Tasmania in 1983. She commenced her career as a clinical pharmacist in Hobart, before practising as a hospital pharmacist at Royal Canberra Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital, Hospital for Sick Children in London and then University of Tasmania as a clinical educator.

 

Returning to Canberra in 1995, she served as Director of Pharmacy at John James Memorial Hospital, Poisons Information Pharmacist at The Canberra Hospital and Director of Pharmacy at Calvary Hospital between 2002 and 2003.

 

Her interest in drug overdose led her to undertake a PhD in clinical toxicology. Her seminal work has been widely cited and led to changes in clinical practice such that activated charcoal in drug overdose is now used in more restricted situations.

 

Following a critical shortage of pharmacists in Canberra and the surrounding region, Prof. Cooper established the Discipline of Pharmacy at the University of Canberra, where she remained the Head of Pharmacy and was elevated to Full Professor in 2010.

 

Her contribution to the profession also included serving on the ACT Pharmacy Board (2006-2010) and being appointed Chair of the Capital Health Network (CHN) in 2015. Her leadership at CHN led to the establishment of the Pharmacists in General Practice trial in the ACT, the first of its kind in Australia.

 

In 2017 Prof. Cooper was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for “service to the pharmacy sector and to tertiary education”.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim paid tribute to Professor Cooper and her substantial contribution to the practice of pharmacy in Australia:

 

‘All of us at PSA are deeply saddened to learn of Gabrielle’s passing’ she said.

 

‘A visionary ahead of her time, Gabrielle leaves a substantial legacy, which ranges from forging new practice pathways for pharmacists in general practice, to establishing the Discipline of Pharmacy at the University of Canberra and to research which altered clinical guidelines for activated charcoal in drug overdose.’

 

‘I extend my sincere condolences to Gabrielle’s family, friends and colleagues who are grieving the loss of such an inspirational and special woman,’ A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

PSA National Vice President and academic colleague Professor Mark Naunton paid tribute to Professor Cooper’s flair and aptitude for as an educator and change-maker in the profession:

 

‘Gabrielle was a motivating and inspirational teacher. Those who were privileged to have learnt from her attest to her aptitude for instilling clinical knowledge, passion for disease state management, and skills in problem solving, leadership and communication.

 

‘Her elegant ability to articulate logically made her a positive role model to students, pharmacists, healthcare workers, and policy makers alike.’

 

‘She will be deeply missed.’

 

Professor Cooper’s funeral will be held at 2.00 pm on 1 May 2025 at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra. In lieu of Flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Australia would be greatly appreciated.

 

Prof. Gabrielle Cooper (left) with Prof. Mark Naunton (right) in 2021

PSA New South Wales Excellence Award winners announced

1 March 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the winners of the PSA New South Wales Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding pharmacists who have demonstrated excellence in their practice and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for their communities.

 

The 2025 award recipients are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – David North OAM MPS
• Pharmacist of the Year – Ammar Altayib MPS
• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Lily Pham MPS
• Intern of the Year – Peter Figliuzzi

 

Now a PhD candidate, former Sudanese refugee and NSW Pharmacist of the Year Ammar Altayib has been a clinical pharmacist for the past 7 years and has been nominated twice in recent years for patient safety awards for the Southern NSW Local Health District. With numerous academic qualifications including a Masters in Pharmacy, the father of four, in addition to his hospital role, also works on Saturdays at Queanbeyan Pharmacy, teaches Arabic and is a leader in his local community. While nominated for the AdPha Clinical Pharmacy Award last year, he instead took out the African Australian Inc Academic and Professional Excellence Award.

 

David North OAM has been awarded the PSA NSW Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his five decades of outstanding service to pharmacy and the Illawarra community. His career has spanned community pharmacy ownership, hospital pharmacy leadership, and significant contributions to professional development and mentorship.

 

David has played a key role in numerous community health initiatives, including projects on palliative care medication access, smoking cessation, asthma management, and opioid safety. His dedication to promoting medication safety and pharmacy’s role in public health has had a lasting impact.

 

A PSA Life Member and long-time advocate for the profession, David has also served as a peer reviewer, mentor, and board member of the Pharmacists Support Service (PSS). His leadership, commitment to patient care, and advocacy have left a profound legacy, making him a truly deserving recipient of this award​.

 

NSW Early Career Pharmacist of the Year Lily Pham has quickly established herself as a leader in pharmacy. As Vice President of the PSA NSW Branch Committee, she has played a key role in policy submissions, stakeholder engagement, and expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice, particularly in mental health. She has presented at PSA events, met with politicians, and contributed to PSA’s Medicine Safety: Mental Health report.

 

Lily is also undertaking a PhD at the University of Sydney, focusing on perinatal mental healthcare and the role of pharmacists in mental health screening. She works across hospital, community, and primary care settings, ensuring broad patient impact. A dedicated mentor, she supports early career pharmacists and leads professional development initiatives. Her commitment to patient care, research, and professional engagement makes her a deserving recipient of this award.

 

NSW Intern of the Year Peter Figliuzzi is recognised for his leadership, initiative, and commitment to patient care. During his intern year Peter developed a hospital discharge medication management system to ensure patients understood medication changes, reducing confusion and enhancing adherence. His proactive engagement with Veteran patients improved health outcomes through tailored MedsChecks and stronger patient-provider relationships. Additionally, he streamlined vaccination services by creating a patient recall system, improving vaccination rates in his community. Peter’s continued dedication to patient safety, quality use of medicines, and professional collaboration makes him a deserving recipient of this award.

 

PSA NSW President Luke Kelly congratulated each of the award recipients, highlighting their dedication to the pharmacy profession and improving patient care.

“Each of these award winners has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and passion for improving health outcomes in their communities. Their contributions to the profession exemplify the some of the best of pharmacy in New South Wales.”

 

“These awards recognise pharmacists who are stepping up to new challenges and making a real impact in their communities,” Mr Kelly said.

 

“Their dedication and leadership inspire the entire profession, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”

 

PSA congratulates award recipients and thanks them for their contributions to the pharmacy profession in New South Wales

 

Photos of awardees available by contacting media@psa.org.au 

 

 

PSA congratulates Anna Barwick MPS on being awarded the Medal of Order of Australia (OAM)

26 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates NSW pharmacist Member Mrs Anna Barwick MPS on being awarded the Medal of Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours.

 

Ms Barwick founded PharmOnline, an innovative platform which connects Australian patients living in remote areas with pharmacy services. A pharmacy academic from Walcha, NSW, she previously served on PSA’s NSW Branch Committee, including holding the role of vice-president from 2014-2020.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS acknowledged Anna’s enormous contribution to pharmacy profession.

 

“Anna is a truly outstanding pharmacist. A pioneer of innovation, she has consistently transformed access to care in her community and beyond. I have been privileged to see first-hand Anna’s work, and hope that others are as inspired and energised as I am by her contribution to the community and to the next generation of pharmacists.” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“Long recognised by the profession, having won PSA’s Pharmacy Shark Tank award in 2021 and NSW Pharmacist of the Year in 2021, I am excited to see her achievements recognised on the national stage.”

 

“On behalf of PSA and the pharmacy profession, I sincerely congratulate Anna on this well-deserved recognition.”

 

Learn more about Anna’s work in Australian Pharmacist.

Improved access to contraceptive services for women and girls in Queensland

9 August 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the commencement of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception Pilot, which will improve access to high-quality and integrated contraceptive services for Queensland women and girls.

​

Queensland pharmacists participating in the Pilot can now enrol in PSA’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Contraceptive Service – Queensland training program. Once completed, Queensland pharmacists can immediately begin offering the service to Queensland women.

​

The commencement of the Pilot comes just days after PSA launched Pharmacists in 2030, which outlines a vision for pharmacists in delivering greater access to care for all health care consumers by increasing and leveraging the accessibility of pharmacists to address unmet health needs.

​

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim congratulated the Queensland government for recognising the expertise pharmacists to contribute to women’s health through enabling better access to hormonal contraception

​

“Pharmacists are accessible, trusted health care professionals who are well placed to assist women to access their preferred hormonal contraception,” she said. “This pilot opens up one more option for women in Queensland to access when considering their contraceptive options.”

​

“Women and girls around the country deserve improved access to care. Contraception access is not a luxury, but a basic health care need. We urge governments across the country to follow suit, enabling improved access to contraceptive services.”

​

“PSA has been and will continue to work collaboratively with governments and stakeholders to ensure these services can be implemented professionally, effectively and safely.” she said.

​

PSA’s CEO Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris encouraged pharmacists to undertake training to deliver contraception prescribing services.

​

“Pharmacists prescribing hormonal contraception will mean more accessible care for Queensland women, putting patient care first and ensuring safe and effective contraception options are available when and where they’re needed,” he said.

​

“PSA has worked closely with Queensland Health to certify our training program which uses case-based learning powered by artificial intelligence – a world first in pharmacist education. The simulated clinical environment uses the most life-like patient simulations possible to hone pharmacist communication and clinical skills in providing more timely and safe access to hormonal contraception.”

​

“I encourage all community pharmacists in Queensland pilot pharmacies to engage with this training now so that we can all collectively improve women’s access to hormonal contraception across the state,” he said

 

PSA’s recently launched Pharmacists in 2030 vision can be found here: https://www.psa.org.au/advocacy/working-for-our-profession/pharmacists_in_2030/

​

PSA’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Contraceptives Service – Queensland training program can be found here: https://my.psa.org.au/s/detail/a11GB00000Lgbdw