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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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“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.”

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“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.”

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“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.

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

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“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.

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“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.”

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“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/

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

Western Australia expands the role of community pharmacists

9 August 2024

 

Western Australians will soon have greater access to timely and convenient healthcare services through community pharmacists, a move that is welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) as a step forward in recognition of the need to improve access to care.

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WA Minister for Health, Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA today announced the Cook Government’s commitment to a new expanded role for community pharmacists in the treatment of a range of common and mild conditions, including shingles, acne, dermatitis, pain, nausea and vomiting, and wound management.

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PSA sees an opportunity for pharmacists to better support patients with health services they currently have difficulty accessing; in Queensland, these services – and many others – are already routine pharmacist care.

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PSA will work closely with the Government to ensure the program is appropriately scoped and evaluated. The design, development and implementation of the program will unfold over the next two years, with full operation to be in place by 2027.

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PSA Western Australia President, Mr Kristian Ray MPS said the move leverages the state’s most accessible healthcare professionals to continue providing timely patient care.

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“We thank the Cook Government for its commitment and collaboration with the profession to extend the role of WA pharmacists, better utilising the skills and accessibility of pharmacists to improve access to healthcare across the state, especially in regional and remote communities,” Mr Ray said

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“We hope this expanded scope is just the next step in a bigger journey towards pharmacists practising to their full potential.

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“Western Australian pharmacists have the knowledge and skillset to do much more to support chronic disease management.

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“We encourage adoption of the approach taken in Queensland where pharmacists are already providing more support to patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and people with high cardiovascular risk.”

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“PSA looks forward to working with the Government in the development of the program, which ultimately benefit patients.”

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PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS is encouraging pharmacists to undertake training in anticipation of their expanding roles.

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“Throughout scope expansion across the country, whether it is assessment and prescribing for management of urinary tract infections, oral contraception or other acute and chronic condition management programs, PSA has been supporting pharmacists along the way,” Associate Professor Sim said.

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“Pharmacists should be supported so they are empowered to practice at top of scope.

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“PSA is committed to focusing on workforce preparation, including training, education, practice support and upskilling of pharmacists to undertake and deliver these services.

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“Patients across Australia deserve equitable access to healthcare.

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“PSA looks forward to working with the government and universities as part of a collaborative approach to workforce preparation.”

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Specific details of training programs will be provided soon.​

Tasmania becomes Australia’s 5th jurisdiction to authorise pharmacist-led RSV vaccination

9 August 2024

 

Pharmacist immunisers are able to authorise and administer RSV vaccines for pregnant women and people over 60 years of age following a change to the Tasmanian Pharmacist Immunisation Program Guidelines, in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

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The move follows a similar change in the ACT in recent weeks.

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Tasmanian PSA President Mr Mark Kirschbaum urged at-risk Tasmanians to protect themselves against the debilitative condition;

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“RSV is a serious condition in those at risk, particularly older people and infants. ATAGI have recommended vaccination as a single dose for all people over 75 years of age and pregnant women to offer immunity to newborns. I urge those who are at risk to talk to their pharmacist or doctor regarding the benefits and costs of RSV vaccination,” he said.

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PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim urged other states to follow-suit, noting the complexity of regulations around who can authorise and administer vaccines is limiting community protection against vaccine-preventable diseases:

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“I urge all regulators in all states to remove unnecessary barriers to vaccination, including for RSV vaccination” she said.

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A/Prof Sim continued, “currently, pharmacist immunisers in Northern Territory and Western Australia can only administer RSV vaccines after a prescription has been issued. In South Australia, pharmacist immunisers cannot administer RSV vaccines, even when prescribed by a doctor. Meanwhile, in other states pharmacists have prescribed and administered thousands of doses of these life-saving vaccines. It just makes no sense, and it’s placing Australians at risk.”

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“The Australian Immunisation Handbook is Australia’s national vaccination formulary. We should be working towards using this as our standard to define all vaccinator’s vaccine formularies, rather than using complex regulatory instruments in each state and territory,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

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“National harmonisation of vaccination scope will ensure Australians receive equitable access to care.”

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PSA’s vaccination hub has been developed to help pharmacists navigate the complex regulatory instruments regarding vaccines which they can authorise and administer. The state-by-state comparison tables are available here: https://www.psa.org.au/state-vaccination-regulations/

PSA to drive environmental sustainability through appointment of CEO to new climate and health advisory group

8 August 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the appointment of its Chief Executive Officer Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris to the to the Government’s Climate & Health Expert Advisory Group (CHEAG) by the Hon. Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care.

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The appointment was announced just days after PSA launched Pharmacists in 2030, which outlined the need for pharmacists to be supported to incorporate environmental sustainability improvements in their workplaces, including energy efficiency, waste reduction and deprescribing.

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Adj A/Prof Steve Morris said that the establishment of the advisory group was an opportunity for the entire health sector to come together to limit the negative impacts of climate change on health and wellbeing of Australians.

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“Sustainability is important for overall wellbeing of individuals, the community and the world in which we live,’ he said.

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“The provision of healthcare makes a bigger impact on the climate than many of us realise. For example, healthcare contributes 7 per cent of Australia’s total carbon emissions. This is greater than the total carbon emissions from my home state of South Australia.”

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“With health and wellbeing of patients being primary concerns of pharmacists, we all have a professional obligation to limit the negative health impacts caused by climate change through direct action, leadership and patient support.”

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Adj A/Prof Morris thanked the Assistant Minister for her leadership on this issue.

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“I am delighted to be able to contribute to this important advisory group,” Adj A/Prof Morris said.

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“I look forward to working with Assistant Minister Kearney, Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly, other health sector leaders and consumers to reduce the environmental impacts of healthcare and, by doing so, improve the health and wellbeing of all Australians.”

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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/

Pharmacists to administer RSV vaccines in NSW

1 March 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) encourages New South Wales residents over the age of 60 years to book an RSV vaccine appointment with their local pharmacist, following the NSW Government today becoming the first state to allow pharmacists to initiate and administer RSV vaccines. 

 

The updated NSW Pharmacist Vaccination Standards follows yesterday’s statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, recommending people over the age of 75 years receive RSV vaccination as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 60 years and those aged over 60 with medical conditions that increase the risk of severe disease due to RSV. All other people over the age of 60 years are also eligible for RSV vaccination. 

 

PSA NSW President Luke Kelly welcomed the move, saying it was important people protected themselves against infectious diseases ahead of winter. 

 

“We’ve seen massive advances in vaccine technology in recent years and it’s fantastic older Australians – the people who are most at risk of complications and death from RSV – can take positive steps to protect themselves,” he said. 

 

“I thank the NSW Government for proactively expanding vaccination access for our most vulnerable populations and look forward to continuing to work alongside them to improve vaccine uptake across New South Wales.” 

 

PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, called on other Australian jurisdictions to follow NSW’s lead. 

 

“ATAGI yesterday issued three significant statements about vaccination – for COVID-19, influenza and, for the first time, RSV. Now we have a vaccine that is recommended, it’s important to make sure people can access it from all their regular vaccine providers.” 

 

RSV vaccines are currently not funded by the National Immunisation Program. 

 

PSA is hosting a LIVE WEBINAR Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention in Older Adults Amidst Expanding Vaccine Landscape on Wednesday 20 March at 7pm AEDT. Registrations are essential – visit https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2fW5xOFBS2agw_W8b1J9Cw#/registration 

PSA welcomes refreshed National Medicines Policy

20 December 2022

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the updated National Medicines Policy, announced today by Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP.

 

The National Medicines Policy is a framework for ensuring Australians have timely access to affordable, quality medicines that are used appropriately.

 

The refreshed plan elevates the need to address access challenges, particularly equity and equality for all Australians, and is consistent with PSA’s plan for the future, Pharmacists in 2023, placing patients at the centre of care supported by pharmacists as medicine experts wherever medicines are prescribed, supplied or administered.

 

Dr Fei Sim, National President of PSA, congratulated Professor Michael Kidd AM on delivering an improved policy which meets the contemporary needs of Australians.

 

“Medicines are our most common intervention in health care. It is essential that Australians have access to quality and affordable medicines when they need them.” said Dr Sim.

 

“PSA has long advocated for the NMP to be reviewed, so we are very pleased to see the Minister deliver on this today. We welcome support for national pharmacovigilance systems, however it is crucial that these systems be nationally coordinated and real-time in order to significantly reduce harms which can be caused by medicines.

 

“We also welcome the recognition that clinical indicators will need to be used to evaluate policy, as this is something else PSA has been fighting for over many years. It is great to see Minister Butler commit to regular 5-yearly reviews to ensure the NMP remains up to date.

 

“PSA has long been concerned about the preventable harm caused by medicines and has driven the conversation on medicine safety in Australia. We are excited to see changes in policy which should help drive solutions and improve medicine safety for all Australians and look forward to partnering with the government and other organisations to deliver on the goals of this policy.

 

PSA would like to thank the Expert Advisory Committee members including Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom AO, Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin MPS, Mr David Herd, and Mrs Jan Donovan for their contributions.

 

Media contact:   Candice Burch M: 0403 973 097     E: Candice.burch@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.