PSA welcomes Paid Prac expansion for pharmacy students

23 July 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the peak national body for Australia’s 42,000 pharmacists, has welcomed today’s announcement that pharmacy students will be included in the Federal Government’s expansion of its Prac Payment Program.

 

Pharmacy students undertaking compulsory placements as part of their degree will be eligible for financial support effective from 1 July 2027, following tireless advocacy efforts from the National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the announcement recognises the significant financial pressures faced by pharmacy students and comes at a pivotal time for the pharmacy profession.

 

“Frontline healthcare placements are an integral part of university study for Australia’s student pharmacists, giving them invaluable ‘hands-on’ experience,” Professor Naunton said.

 

“However, it can also be very expensive, with students forsaking part-time jobs to meet the full-time demands of placement work while also coping with general expenses like rent and fuel. It’s a significant financial burden, and we don’t want to see pharmacy students walk away from the profession because the cost of completing their studies has become too high.

 

“The payment program will make a significant practical and financial difference to students undertaking this critical component of their tertiary education, and we look forward to seeing the impact next year as we welcome graduates into one of the nation’s most trusted healthcare professions.” 

 

Professor Naunton also acknowledged the contributions of former NAPSA President Sebastian Harper and current NAPSA National President Mia Avram to this announcement: 

 

“I extend my congratulations to Sebastian, Mia, and the broader NAPSA leadership teams for their hard work in securing the paid prac program for pharmacy students.”

 

Mia Avram, NAPSA’s recently elected National President, acknowledged the announcement, saying:

 

“This is a landmark moment for pharmacy students across Australia. Expanding Commonwealth Prac Payments recognises the essential contribution pharmacy and allied health students make during their placements and will help ensure financial barriers don’t stand in the way of training our future workforce.”

 

Immediate Past President Sebastian Harper, who led NAPSAs advocacy across two terms, also welcomed the announcement:

 

“I was proud to stand alongside thousands of pharmacy and allied health students over the last few years to advocate for this change, and today this win is theirs. It will mean pharmacy students don’t have to decide between putting food on the table and finishing their degree, and for that, NAPSA and our entire profession should be proud.” 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au or media@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. 

Health Minister to address PSA national conference: The Home of Pharmacists

16 July

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is pleased to announce that the Minister for Health, Disability, and Ageing, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, will join pharmacists from across Australia at PSA’s national conference, PSA26: the Home of Pharmacists.

 

The Hon. Mark Butler MP is set to deliver a ministerial address as part of the opening plenary on Friday 31 July.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the presence of Minister Butler reflects the importance the Albanese government places on pharmacy policy and reform at a pivotal time for the profession.

 

“It is an exciting time for pharmacy, with PSA26 taking place as the profession is looking to broaden its contributions to improving access to care and supporting greater health outcomes for communities across Australia,” Professor Naunton said.

 

“PSA26 delegates will be able to hear first-hand from Minister Butler during the opening plenary, where he will provide key insights about the government’s priorities in healthcare and how pharmacists can assist with supporting these priorities.”

 

Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, the Hon. Emma McBride MP FPS, and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator the Hon. Anne Ruston, will also address PSA26 on its opening day.

 

“We are equally excited to welcome Assistant Minister McBride and Shadow Minister Ruston to PSA26,” Professor Naunton continued.

 

“Our annual national conference continues to draw political leaders each year, which is a testament to the importance of pharmacists in Australia’s primary health system.”

 

PSA26 will be held from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.

 

Registrations for PSA26 are still open. Those wishing to attend can register here.

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen

E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au or media@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.

New Code of Ethics released to guide contemporary pharmacist practice

1 July 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today launched the new Code of Ethics for Pharmacists, a contemporary framework to support ethical decision-making and strengthen patient-centred care across the profession.

 

The Code of Ethics for Pharmacists applies to all pharmacists and pharmacy students registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. It outlines the values of the pharmacy profession and the expected ethical standards all pharmacists in Australia, across all areas of practice, must adhere to. 

 

The new Code has been redesigned to reflect the expanding roles of pharmacists. It acknowledges the increasingly complex healthcare landscape, including prescribing and vaccination services, growth in digital health, expanded scope of practice, and growing patient needs. 

 

The 2026 Code is built around four domains: Care, Integrity, Competency, and – for the first time – Collaboration. 

 

Project Advisory Group Chair, Dr Ayomide Ogundipe MPS, said the new Code reflects the collective voices of the profession, consumers, and the wider healthcare community, following extensive consultation with pharmacy organisations and stakeholders across all areas of practice: 

 

“I’m proud the new Code of Ethics for Pharmacists has been released following 12 month of genuinely collaborative development and consultation. The first-of-its-kind approach brought together pharmacists from all areas of practice, consumers, pharmacy organisations, and other key stakeholders to shape a Code that reflects the profession as it is today: diverse, evolving, and playing an increasingly important role supporting the people and communities they serve. 

 

“Ethics is not abstract. It shapes the decisions pharmacists make every day, from how we communicate with patients and manage conflicts of interest, to when we refer, how we support colleagues and how we respond when the practice environment challenges our ability to provide safe and effective care.

 

“With greater responsibility from the increasing breadth of scope of practice comes greater accountability. Pharmacists must be familiar with these ethical obligations as our role in the health system continues to grow,” Dr Ogundipe said. 

 

“We heard clearly from the profession that the Code needed to address ethical obligations relating to practitioner wellbeing. The new Code now recognises creating a supportive practice environment as an ethical responsibility, reflecting the reality that safe practice depends not only on individual competence, but also on workplace culture, supervision and support. 

 

“This Code would not have been possible without the expertise, insight and commitment of the Project Advisory Group. I’m deeply grateful for the time and contributions of members representing pharmacy organisations, consumers and government, alongside leading ethicists and pharmacists from across the profession,” Dr Ogundipe concluded. 

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the Code spoke to the professional identity and expectations patients and the community have of pharmacists: 

 

“The Code of Ethics describes who we are as pharmacists, describing our values and expected behaviours as a profession,” said Professor Naunton.  

 

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

 

“I welcome the revisions to the Code and encourage every pharmacist to attend the upcoming sessions, which will take them through the new Code and its obligations.

 

“I thank the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and all organisations which contributed to the Code’s development,” Professor Naunton concluded. 

 

Pharmacists will have the opportunity to learn more about the new Code of Ethics for Pharmacists during the following sessions: 

 

• Webinar: The new Code of Ethics for Pharmacists: What every pharmacist needs to know, Tuesday 21 July, 7.00-8.30 pm 

 

• PSA26: Keeping up with the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists – Saturday 1 August, 11.50–12.35 pm 

 

• PSA26: How do you solve a problem like… –Saturday 1 August, 3.30–4.15 pm  

 

The new Code of Ethics for Pharmacists is now available at: https://www.psa.org.au/code-of-ethics  

 

The development of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Code of Ethics for Pharmacists was supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice. 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au or media@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 announces branch committee presidents and vice-presidents for upcoming term

30 June 2026

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates its branch committee presidents and vice presidents recently elected to serve for the term commencing 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. 

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, congratulated the newly elected and returning leadership officials on their appointments. 

 

“PSA’s branch committees represent a strong, diverse leadership group with a breadth and depth of experiences across all practice areas,” he said. 

 

“Their leadership will ensure the voices of pharmacists within their branches are heard as they embark on their advocacy efforts for the profession. 

 

“We thank those who have been re-elected for their ongoing commitment to PSA and the profession, and welcome those newly elected officials as they step into these important leadership positions.” 

 

The PSA branch committee presidents and vice-presidents are: 

 

Australian Capital Territory 

• President – Erin Cooper MPS 

• Vice Presidents – Olivia Collenette MPS & Andrew Kelly MPS 

 

New South Wales 

• President – Luke Kelly FPS 

• Vice Presidents – Rebekah Moles FPS & Lily Pham MPS 

 

Queensland 

• President – James Buckley MPS 

• Vice Presidents – Kate Gunthorpe MPS & Sue Carson MPS 

 

South Australia/Northern Territory 

• President – Bec Rogers MPS 

• Vice Presidents – Lauren Fraser MPS & Jaimee Anderson MPS 

 

Tasmania 

• President – Joanne Gross MPS 

• Vice Presidents – David Peachey MPS & Nicole Dilworth MPS 

 

Victoria 

• President – Tinu Abraham FPS 

• Vice Presidents – Kate Wang FPS & David Froon MPS 

 

Western Australia 

• President – Kristian Ray MPS 

• Vice Presidents – Ayomide Ogundipe MPS & Phuong Nguyen MPS

 

The complete list of Branch Committee members can be found here: https://www.psa.org.au/psa-announces-branch-committee-election-results/ 

 

 

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 searching for its first Harm Reduction Champion

19 June 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has opened Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for its first PSA Harm Reduction Champion, who will act as a national spokesperson, advocating for and supporting PSA’s work in policy, professional practice, and community engagement. 

 

The PSA are seeking EOIs from passionate pharmacists looking to do more to support patients accessing harm reduction services such as opioid dependence therapy (ODT), the administration of long-acting injectable buprenorphine, naloxone access, and needle and syringe programs. 

 

Supported by a grant from Camurus, the PSA Harm Reduction Champion aims to elevate pharmacist leadership in harm reduction and strengthen the profession’s role in improving access to care, reducing stigma, and supporting safer health outcomes for the community.  

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring the safe provision of harm reduction services on the frontline.  

 

“Pharmacists have an important role to play in harm reduction, through improving access to essential services such as ODT, take-home naloxone, and needle and syringe programs, but there is still more to be done to support the equitable access to these services,” Professor Naunton said.  

 

“This is why we’re looking for a pharmacist who is making a real impact in their community, and ready to help lead the conversations, support their communities, and advocate for expanded access to care through the PSA Harm Reduction Champion initiative. 

 

“If this sounds like you, or someone you know, I encourage you to submit an EOI to become PSA’s first Harm Reduction Champion.” 

 

Dr Annie Madden AO, Executive Director of Harm Reduction Australia, welcomed the PSA Harm Reduction Champion initiative as an important step in further strengthening pharmacists’ leadership in harm reduction.  

 

“Pharmacists play a vital role in improving access to harm reduction services, and this new advocacy approach will hopefully inspire more pharmacists to engage in this highly rewarding area of practice, further expanding access to services that reduce harm, save lives, and strengthen the health and wellbeing of communities across Australia.”  

 

EOIs are open to all PSA members and close 30 June 2026.  

 

Pharmacists interested in becoming the 2026 PSA Harm Reduction Champion can submit an EOI at: https://forms.office.com/r/LqVSZ8Z6Pt 

 

For any PSA Harm Reduction Champion enquiries, please contact Rachel Morrison on 0433 905 672

 

 

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 marks stability with PSA Board elections

 

18 June 2026

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the re-election of Professor Mark Naunton MPS as PSA National President for the upcoming term commencing 1 July 2026. 

 

The PSA Board has today elected Dr Amanda Cross FPS, and re-elected Caroline Diamantis FPS, as National Vice Presidents.  

 

Professor Naunton was honoured to be re-elected and looks forward to serving PSA as the National President for another term.  

 

“I want to thank the PSA Board for trusting me to serve the profession and representing PSA at the highest level,” he said. 

 

“I look forward to working alongside the National Vice Presidents, Dr Amanda Cross and Caroline Diamantis, as we continue to support our members and the pharmacy profession.” 

 

The PSA Board also welcomes Joanne Gross MPS and Karla Wright MPS as new Board Directors. 

 

Professor Naunton thanked the outgoing Board members for their significant contributions to PSA in recent years. 

 

“On behalf of the PSA Board, I want to acknowledge the contributions of our outgoing Board members, Dr Shane Jackson and Bridget Totterman, who have been valued members of the Board and PSA for many years,” he said. 

 

“Dr Jackson was pivotal in establishing PSA’s medicines safety agenda and cementing this through his leadership in our Strategic Agreements. I have no doubt he will continue to serve the profession in everything he does. 

 

“Bridget has been a valued member of the PSA Board for many years, and her collaborative leadership will serve as an asset as she continues her role as the PSA CEO. I am excited to continue to work alongside her in this role. 

 

“I warmly welcome Joanne Gross and Karla Wright to the PSA Board. They join at an exciting time for the organisation and the pharmacy profession. They will be supported by a united Board with extensive and diverse experience and expertise.” 

 

The PSA National Board, effective from 1 July 2026, is as follows: 

• A/Prof Helen Benson 

• Donna Bonney 

• Dr Amanda Cross 

• Caroline Diamantis 

• Joanne Gross 

• Prof Mark Naunton 

• Dr Ayomide (Mide) Ogundipe 

• Brooke Shelly 

• A/Prof Fei Sim 

• A/Prof John Smithson 

• Dr Natalie Soulsby 

• The Hon. Bronnie Taylor 

• Matthew Tweedie 

• Karla Wright 

 

 

 

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 calls for its 2026 PSA Vaccination Ambassador

16 June 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has opened Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for its 2026 PSA Vaccination Ambassador Program, calling on pharmacist immunisers leading the way in vaccination access, uptake, and advocacy to step forward. 

 

Now in its second year, the program builds on the success of the inaugural PSA Vaccination Ambassador, Melbourne-based community pharmacist Anna Theophilos MPS, whose leadership has helped showcase the critical role pharmacists play in improving immunisation outcomes across Australia. 

 

Supported by GSK and Pfizer, the PSA Vaccination Ambassador Program recognises pharmacist leaders who are advancing vaccination services in their communities and nationally, while providing a platform to influence policy, inspire peers, and support ongoing advocacy efforts. 

 

PSA National President Professor Mark Naunton MPS said the inaugural Vaccination Ambassador, Anna Theophilos MPS, has shown how powerful pharmacist leadership can be in advancing vaccination uptake.  

 

“Pharmacists are playing an increasingly important role in protecting Australians through vaccination, and the Vaccination Ambassador Program recognises the essential role pharmacist immunisers have in shaping the future of immunisation,” Professor Naunton said. 

 

“Anna has been exceptional as our inaugural PSA Vaccination Ambassador, and now we’re calling for nominations for the next ambassador, someone who is willing and ready to represent pharmacist immunisers at the national level.”  

 

Reflecting on her experience as the inaugural PSA Vaccination Ambassador, Ms Theophilos encouraged others to apply. 

 

“Twelve months ago, I put my hand up for a role I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” she said.  

 

“From advocating for our profession to connecting with pharmacists across Australia and contributing to key conversations about the future of vaccination, it’s been an incredible opportunity. 

 

“If you’re passionate about vaccination, advocacy and improving patient care, I’d strongly encourage you to apply. Australia needs passionate pharmacists leading these conversations.” 

 

Selected as a representative and spokesperson for PSA, the 2026 Vaccination Ambassador will contribute to national advocacy efforts through conference presentations, media engagement, and stakeholder collaboration, helping to strengthen the profession’s voice on vaccination. 

 

EOIs are open to all PSA members and close 30 June 2026. 

 

Pharmacists interested in becoming the 2026 PSA Vaccination Ambassador can submit an EOI at:
https://forms.office.com/r/iqDBdJhKgV.

 

 

 

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. 

Five pharmacists recognised at PSA’s Victorian Pharmacist Awards

12 June 2026 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to acknowledge the outstanding contributions, leadership, and dedication of the five pharmacists who have been recognised at tonight’s PSA Victorian Pharmacist Awards.  

 

The 2026 award recipients are:  

• Pharmacist of the Year – Suzanne Nielsen MPS 

• Lifetime Achievement Award – John Jackson FPS 

• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Pooja Sharma MPS 

• Intern of the Year – Namira Tasnia Ahmed MPS 

• Victorian Pharmacist Medal – Alexander Look MPS 

 

Pharmacist of the Year, Suzanne Nielsen MPS, was recognised for her internationally leading work in addiction medicine research, advancing pharmacists’ role in harm reduction and opioid dependence treatment, and shaping policy and practice to improve patient safety and outcomes.  

 

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to John Jackson FPS for his contributions to medication safety, national policy, and pharmacy education. John’s pharmacy career spans more than five decades, with his service and leadership having a lasting impact on his colleagues and patients.  

 

Pooja Sharma MPS, was awarded the Early Career Pharmacist of the Year for her outstanding clinical leadership and innovation, delivering measurable improvements in medicines safety, and access to care for high-risk and underserved populations. 

 

Intern of the Year, Namira Tasnia Ahmed MPS, was recognised for her exceptional patient-centred care and initiative during her intern year, including driving quality improvement in medication safety and developing processes to support safer transitions of care. 

 

Alexander Look MPS has received the Victorian Pharmacist Medal for his dedication to rural healthcare, expanding pharmacy services and building innovative, community-focused models of care that have significantly improved access and health outcomes in the Victorian Mallee. 

 

PSA Victorian President, Tinu Abraham FPS, congratulated the recipients, acknowledging them as wonderful representatives who capture the breadth and impact of modern pharmacy practice.  

 

“These awards are a powerful reminder of the contributions pharmacists make to our patients and communities every single day,” she said.  

 

“Each of these recipients is incredibly deserving, and I am proud to present these awards to the pharmacists continuing to shape the future of healthcare and drive the health and well-being of Victorians.”  

 

 

 

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.