World Autism Awareness Day; PSA launches new innovative guide: Your medicines, your pharmacist

2 April 2026

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) today supports World Autism Awareness Day following the launch of the Your medicines, your pharmacist consumer guide at PSA’s South Australian and Northern Territories Annual Therapeutic Update (SA/NT ATU) on 28 March.  

Marked annually on 2 April, World Autism Awareness Day aims to increase the understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of autistic people by promoting autism awareness and emphasising the importance of accessible, supportive services within the community.  

The PSA’s Your medicines, your pharmacist is a practical consumer guide designed to help autistic people better understand how their pharmacist can support their medicine and health needs.  

The guide has been developed in partnership with Autism SA, expert pharmacists, and working group members with lived experience of autism, to ensure the guide is optimised for the autistic community. 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President, Adjunct Professor Manya Angley FPS, a key developer of the guide, reflected on the importance of inclusive pharmacy care.  

“The guide is very close to my heart. As a family member to an autistic person, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for autistic people and their families to feel supported and understood within the healthcare system,” said Adjunct Professor Angley. 

“For decades, I have been advocating for pharmacists to play a bigger role in the care of autistic people. Community pharmacists are highly accessible and can provide vital support, from everyday advice in the pharmacy to more in-depth medication reviews that help ensure medicines are safe, effective, and tailored to individual needs. 

“The ‘Your medicines, your pharmacist’ guide, developed by PSA through the Office for Autism grant, marks an important step in raising awareness of these services and empowering autistic people and their families to make the most of the support pharmacists can offer.” 

South Australian Minister for Autism, Lucy Hood, added:  

“Our Government is proud to back this initiative, which recognises the vital role pharmacists play as an accessible and trusted health service in our community. Making pharmacies more inclusive for Autistic people helps ensure everyday services are welcoming, understandable and responsive to people’s needs.” 

The guide is supported by a grant from the Office for Autism, Government of South Australia, with the Office for Autism’s Director, Sarah Kemp, launching the guide at PSA’s SA/NT ATU26.  

The PSA was previously awarded a further grant this February through the Autism Works in the Community Grants program, which will focus on developing a Pharmacist Audit Tool and Checklist to embed autism-inclusive, neuro-affirming practice across pharmacy settings in South Australia.  

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia remains committed to supporting inclusive and accessible person-centred care and ensuring pharmacists are equipped to meet the diverse needs of the communities they serve. 

The ‘Your medicines, your pharmacist’ guide can be accessed here: https://www.psa.org.au/resource/your-medicine-your-pharmacist/ 

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 honours Darragh legacy through inaugural PSA Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship

27 March 2026

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Foundation is delighted to announce the recipient of the inaugural Hugh and Mary Darragh Postgraduate Scholarship, Mo’men Garybeh.  

Mo’men Garybeh, a community pharmacist from Wollongong, NSW, has been selected as the Hugh and Mary Darragh Scholar for his demonstrated leadership in the quality use of medicines, excellence in disease-state management, particularly diabetes management, and the improvement of patient outcomes within his local community.  

The Hugh and Mary Darragh scholarship provides the recipient with up to $10,000 to support their postgraduate studies in a clinical capacity, enabling them to drive measurable improvements in patient care and disease-state management through subsequent evidence-based collaborative practice. 

Mo’men Garybeh expressed his excitement to enrol in PSA’s Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program to enhance his clinical expertise.  

“Pharmacist practice is rapidly evolving with an increased focus on patient-centred care,” Garybeh said. 

“The Hugh and Mary Darragh Scholarship, delivered through the PSA Foundation, made it possible for me to expand my role in ensuring patients receive timely, safe, and evidence-based treatment within their community. 

“I’m honoured to continue advancing the quality use of medicines and helping redefine the impact pharmacists can have in making a positive impact on someone’s life.”  

Chair of the PSA Foundation, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, said that the postgraduate scholarship reflects the extraordinary generosity and vision of Hugh and Mary Darragh, who come from a proud pharmacy family.  

“Hugh and Mary dedicated their legacy to the future of the pharmacy and medical professions through the Trust,” Associate Professor Sim said.  

“We are very pleased that through the PSA Foundation, we have been able to bring their legacy to life by awarding Mo’men the Hugh and Mary Darragh Scholar.  

“Investing in the next generation of clinical pharmacists is vital to strengthening our healthcare system. The PSA Foundation is committed to empowering pharmacists who are driving innovation, advancing disease-state management, and delivering meaningful change for patients nationwide.” 

To learn more about the Hugh and Mary Darragh Postgraduate Scholarship, see here: https://www.psa.org.au/expressions-of-interest-now-open-psa-foundation-announces-hugh-and-mary-darragh-postgraduate-scholarship/ 

Mo’men Garybeh

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 welcomes new South Australian Health and Wellbeing Minister Blair Boyer

27 March 2026

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Premier Peter Malinauskas and the Labor Party on securing a second term in the 2026 South Australian election. The PSA also welcomes Blair Boyer as South Australia’s new Minister for Health and Wellbeing, appointed on 25 March.

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President, Adjunct Professor Manya Angley FPS, thanked outgoing Minister Chris Picton for his strong engagement with the pharmacy profession.

“Minister Picton has been a committed partner in advancing pharmacist scope in South Australia,” Adjunct Professor Angley said.

“His leadership helped position South Australia at the forefront of pharmacist-led care, including expanded vaccination authority, new prescribing pathways, and pharmacist-delivered services such as UTI and oral contraceptive supply.

“His support for the 24/7 pharmacy program has also significantly improved access to medicines and care for South Australians.”

The PSA looks forward to working with Minister Boyer to continue strengthening pharmacist-led care and improving access to essential health services across the state.

The PSA has also welcomed the Malinauskas Government’s commitment to increasing training subsidies for pharmacists undertaking prescribing training and remains committed to delivering this training locally.

Adjunct Professor Angley also highlighted the impact of the Dementia Support Pharmacist program in rural and regional South Australia, which has delivered around 400 medicine reviews and 30 education sessions to date.

“The PSA welcomes the Government’s commitment to fund a Dementia Carers Wellbeing and Education Program through Dementia Australia and looks forward to further opportunities to support people living with dementia through safe and effective medicine use,” she said.

As the national peak body representing pharmacists across all practice settings, the PSA remains committed to ensuring all South Australians can access pharmacists’ expertise in medicines. 

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. 

The PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant returns for a fourth consecutive year

19 March 2026

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) today recognises National Close the Gap Day and commits to supporting workforce participation across the pharmacy profession for First Nations Australians.

In upholding this commitment, the PSA is delighted to announce that expressions of interest for the 2026 PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant are now open for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pharmacists, interns, and pharmacy students.

2026 marks the fourth year of the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant, which is awarded to one or more Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pharmacists, interns, and/or pharmacy students to attend PSA’s national conference, PSA26 – the Home of Pharmacists, taking place from Friday, 31 July to Sunday, 2 August 2026 at ICC Sydney.

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, is passionate about supporting the participation of First Nations Australians in the pharmacy profession and the greater healthcare sector.

“The PSA is proud to honour Professor McMillan in this way, offering the grant for the fourth consecutive year,” said Professor Naunton.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples currently make up 0.3% of the pharmacy profession. It is crucial that we recognise and support the representation of First Nations Australians in our profession.

“The PSA is dedicated to increasing the health workforce participation of First Nations Australians to better meet the healthcare needs of these communities.”

Professor Faye McMillan AM FPS, a Wiradjuri yinaa (Wiradjuri woman) originally from Trangie, NSW, is recognised as the first Indigenous Australian to hold a Western degree in pharmacy.

“I am deeply honoured to have my name associated with the 2026 PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant. This year carries special significance for me as I honour my mum Robyn, whose unwavering love and belief in my journey continue to guide me,” Professor McMillan said.

“This grant opens doors for early career pharmacists and pharmacy students to deepen their professional networks, strengthen their confidence, and feel a sense of belonging within our profession, something my mum championed in her own quiet, steadfast way.

“By supporting this grant, we continue our shared commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity in healthcare. It is a reminder that when we invest in people, we build a profession and a system capable of caring for all communities.”

To submit an expression of interest for the 2026 PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant, please see the form available here

From L to R 

The recipients of the 2025 PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant, Lucinda Adamson, Samantha Forrest, Shi-Anne Wallace, and Peter Cradick, are pictured with PSA immediate past president, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS. 

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. 

‘A step forward for equity’; PSA welcomes women’s health pilot

13 March 2026

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed today’s announcement of a national women’s health pilot, which will improve access to contraception and treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).

As announced this morning by the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Mark Butler MP, women between the ages of 18-55 will be able to access these medicines for the same price as they would cost on prescription under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) when prescribed by a trained pharmacist.

Announced at the Australasian Pharmacy Professional (APP) Conference, as part of the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA), the 12-month pilot program will commence in January 2027.

PSA’s National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said today’s announcement, part of the 8CPA between the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Commonwealth, will help ensure pharmacist care is more available to those who need it most:

“This is a step forward for equity. Pharmacists across Australia have been prescribing antibiotics for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections for some time, and pharmacists have reported to us that for some consumers, cost is a real barrier to accessing this service,” he said.

“This program will mean that more women can access the health services they need, when they need them most.”

Prof Naunton said PSA would work with the government to continue removing barriers to women’s health services, including advocacy to standardise variation between jurisdictions that unnecessarily complicate and lead to inconsistency in service delivery between states and territories:

“We currently have eight different protocols for pharmacist prescribing for uncomplicated UTIs in place across the country, as well as several different protocols for prescribing of hormonal contraception.

“This pilot will provide an opportunity to remove this duplication and inefficiency through adopting a nationwide approach.

“We will continue to impress the need for better standardisation of the treatment guidelines, which could be achieved by adopting the uncomplicated UTI treatment guidelines in the Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook, for example.”

PSA will continue to provide support for pharmacists through professional support, including practice advice and support via the member-exclusive Pharmacist-to-Pharmacist advice line.

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. 

Pharmacists support national kidney emergency response

12 March 2026

On World Kidney Day, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), Australia’s peak body for pharmacists, has thrown its support behind Kidney Health Australia as it unveils its mandate for urgent action to change the trajectory of kidney disease in Australia. 

PSA representatives were among the 140 stakeholders who joined the inaugural National Kidney Summit in October and contributed to the development of Kidney Code Red: The Response. 

Pharmacists play a key role in detecting and preventing chronic kidney disease, which affects one in seven Australians, with more than 2.5 million people unaware they are living with signs of the incurable disease. 

Often using Home Medicine Reviews (HMRs -where a credentialed pharmacist reviews and potentially adjusts the medications a person is taking) as a critical screening and diagnostic tool, pharmacists ensure the safe and effective use of medicines to support healthy kidney function. 

“The latest national statistics from Kidney Health Australia are very sobering and, as frontline health professionals, we are seeing the growing incidence and consequences of kidney disease every day,” said PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS.  

“However, as Kidney Health Australia has demonstrated in its landmark report, there are several levers available that could rapidly improve patient outcomes, and pharmacists look forward to working with other health professionals to eliminate the incidence of kidney disease as quickly and effectively as we can. 

“Home Medicine Reviews, which need to be uncapped from the current 30 per month limit, are one of the best tools we have to make rapid interventions.” 

Credentialed pharmacist, Tim Perry FPS, said spending time in a HMR with a 53-year-old male patient with rapidly declining kidney function was critical. 

“He was not exactly engaged initially, but he listened with a bit more interest when I pointed out that everything is connected- diabetes, heart, kidneys. Sitting with him and showing him the steady decline in his kidney function made him start to think more about his long-term health and what was really important to him,” said Mr Perry. 

“That initial Home Medicines Review was to review adherence, but led to a whole new medication regimen and, after several follow-ups (which are so crucial), saw his resolution go from ambivalent to increasingly positive about his long-term health. His commitment is now 100% – his kidney function is now stable, his diet has changed dramatically, and he now makes a point of taking his wife and dog for a walk when he gets home.” 

The full report can be accessed here.

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

PSA opens public consultation on the draft Code of Ethics for Pharmacists

11 March 2026

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today opened public consultation on its draft revised Code of Ethics for Pharmacists following an eight-month best-practice development process.

The Code of Ethics is the fundamental resource that articulates the values of the pharmacy profession and the expected ethical standards of pharmacists, underpinning the professional practice of all Australian pharmacists.

The draft Code of Ethics maintains the structure and format of the current Code, while introducing new obligations related to integrity, collaboration and pharmacist wellbeing.

The Project Advisory Group Chair, Dr Ayomide Ogundipe MPS, was pleased to see the draft Code of Ethics progress to the public consultation phase.

“The revised Code of Ethics aims to support pharmacists better as they face increasingly complex ethical challenges, arising from their expanding scope of practice and broader societal changes,” Dr Ogundipe said.

“The Code adds in new obligations for pharmacists reflecting the wider breadth and depth of roles pharmacists now perform in our health care system.

“This is a revised Code for the profession, by the profession. I strongly encourage pharmacists to participate in this consultation and help make sure the Code we launch later this year represents the collective values of Australia’s pharmacists.”

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS reflected on the importance of the consultation for the profession:

“The Code of Ethics exists for pharmacists to approach their professional practice with integrity and care, and to guide us to deliver the best possible care for our patients and communities,” Professor Naunton said.

“Over the last decade, pharmacy practice has changed a lot. Our scope has grown, our roles have become more specialised, and the services we provide are more complex than ever.

“PSA is proud to be the custodian of this fundamental document for the profession, and I encourage all pharmacists to contribute to this consultation.”

The review of the Code of Ethics is one of the important elements of the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice between the Albanese government and PSA, which was signed in June 2024. PSA acknowledges the Minister for Health and Ageing, Hon Mark Butler MP, and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing for their support of the review.

The consultation period closes on Friday 17 April 2026.

The Code of Ethics for Pharmacists review is accessible here:

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

The pharmacy profession commences work on reviewing the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia

4 March 2026

The Pharmacy profession has commenced work on reviewing and updating the National Competency Standards Framework for Pharmacists in Australia. This review is critical to modernising the standards that underpin safe, ethical, and effective pharmacist practice, describing the integrated knowledge, skills, and attributes required across a pharmacist’s career.

The review of the National Competency Standards Framework has been commissioned by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), through the Pharmacy Board of Australia.

Last reviewed in 2016, this project comes at a critical time, with rapid changes in the health landscape, including evolving scope of practice, advances in digital health and technology, and an increasing focus on sustainable healthcare.

The Review’s Project Advisory Group Chair, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, reflected on the importance of the competency standards for the profession:

“This review is timely and considers contemporary pharmacy practice and the evolving needs of the profession to serve our patients, communities, and health system. As pharmacists’ scope of practice continues to evolve, the revised framework reflects the professional expectations of modern pharmacy practice,” she said.

“The profession owns the Competency Standards, and the Competency Standards exist to serve the profession. We look forward to working closely with relevant stakeholders, including all pharmacy organisations, pharmacists across all areas of practice and consumer bodies, to ensure pharmacists remain supported in maintaining competence, planning meaningful CPD, and continuing their professional development throughout their careers.

“I’m delighted to have chaired the first Program Advisory Group kick-off meeting, bringing together a diverse, experienced and engaged representation of pharmacists, educators, students, researchers, First Nations, and consumer organisations. I strongly encourage all pharmacists to complete the survey and take an active step to influence the revision of our Competency Standards.”

As the project commences, PSA has launched a survey to inform the project. Pharmacists and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate by completing the survey and visiting the microsite. Feedback from this survey will inform the development of the first draft of the review. The survey will remain open until 17 April 2026.

The link to the National Competency Standards Framework review is available here. 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

M: 0480 099 798 E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.