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.

 

International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination

17 May 2025

 

Today, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination or IDAHOBIT, marking the anniversary of the World Health Organization removing homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases on 17 May 1990.

 

PSA recognises that LGBTQIA+ people continue to have poorer physical and mental health outcomes than the general population, with research from La Trobe University finding that 57% of LGBTQIA+ Australians have reported discrimination due to their sexual orientation, and almost 80% of people who are trans or gender diverse had experienced discrimination due to their gender identity.

 

This was reaffirmed in PSA’s 2024 consumer insights project, which found that LGBTQIA+ patients often do not feel seen, recognised or safe when accessing health care.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said acknowledging and reflecting on the lived experience of LGBTQIA+ people is critical to providing better care:

 

“We must do better,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“To do better is to take deliberate action to address the barriers that lead to inequality in care so that no one feels unsafe accessing care.

 

“As pharmacists, we pride ourselves on being the most accessible health care professionals, but true accessibility goes beyond location or background. It must also mean creating and maintaining safe environments for both our patients and our colleagues.

 

“There is more we can all do, as individuals, teams, and as a profession with this IDAHOBIT reminding us to recommit to creating spaces where our LGBTQIA+ patients and colleagues are seen, safe, and respected. Healthcare is a fundamental right for all.

 

“I encourage all in our profession and our community to recognise today as an opportunity for reflection and a catalyst for action so that we can all play our part in making pharmacy a more inclusive place for all,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

Action 4 of PSA’s vision for the profession, Pharmacists in 2030, identifies a series of key systems changes needed to support pharmacists help address systemic health disparities in vulnerable and priority population groups. This includes incentivising in-depth consultations with people from priority populations to drive individualised service and empowering pharmacists with the knowledge to provide culturally appropriate care to priority groups.

 

 

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

Hobart pharmacist Joanne Gross to lead PSA’s Tasmanian Branch

16 May 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Hobart-based pharmacist Joanne Gross MPS CredPharm (MMR) on her election as President of PSA’s Tasmanian Branch.

 

Previously serving as Vice-President of PSA’s Tasmanian branch, Ms Gross is a Quality Use of Medicines Pharmacist at the Department of Health Tasmania, a Credentialed Pharmacist conducting Home Medication Reviews (HMRs), and a Casual Academic at the University of Tasmania.

 

Jo has called Tasmania home since 2018, drawing on her Master of Public Health and a wealth of experience across mainland hospitals, medical insurance, the pharmaceutical industry, academia, government, and nine years with NPS MedicineWise to champion interdisciplinary collaboration and person-centred care for Tasmanians.

 

“It’s an honour to be chosen by my peers to represent Tasmanian pharmacists,” Ms Gross said.

 

“I’d like to thank Mark Kirschbaum FPS for his service as Committee Member and President of the Tasmanian Branch Committee and congratulate David Peachey MPS on continuing, and Helen Kruup MPS for commencing, as Branch Vice-Presidents.

 

“PSA’s Branch Committee Members volunteer their time for the betterment of the profession, and I appreciate not only their time but their diverse knowledge and expertise.

 

“I value the opportunity to advocate on behalf of Tasmanian pharmacists whether they are working in community pharmacy, in hospitals, in aged care, in general practice, in Aboriginal Health Services, or as independent consultant clinical pharmacists. PSA represents all pharmacists – no matter where they practice.

 

“I’m looking forward to continuing PSA’s work with the Department of Health Tasmania, particularly on the implementation of the Pharmacist Scope of Practice Review, and representing Tasmanian pharmacists and the Tasmanian health system nationally.

 

“Tasmanian patients engage with all parts of the health system — both locally and with input from interstate specialists and hospitals. PSA is working every day to ensure that wherever a patient needs a medicine, a pharmacist is there to ensure it is used safely and effectively,” Ms Gross concluded.

 

 

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

New training program to equip pharmacists with essential palliative care skills

13 May 2025

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched a new national training program to equip pharmacists with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to support people receiving palliative and end-of-life care wherever they are.

 

The ASPIRE Palliative Care Foundation Training Program for Pharmacists is a free, CPD-accredited course for pharmacists working in all areas of practice, supported by Palliative Care Australia and developed with support from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the National Palliative Care Grants Program.

 

The eight-module program provides pharmacists with foundational training to help them better support patients, families, and carers through the safe and quality use of medicines in palliative care. The course is not designed to prepare pharmacists to specialise in palliative care but to strengthen the everyday capacity of pharmacists across the country.

 

The program’s official launch held at Queensland’s Parliament House today and marked National Palliative Care Week (11–17 May 2025) alongside International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) President Paul Sinclair AM FPS.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the program recognises the growing and evolving role of pharmacists in caring for people at the end of life.

 

“Every day pharmacists support patients living with life-limiting illness but our impact can be even broader, with opportunities for us to have a significant positive impact on quality of life, not only for people with palliative care needs, but also for the people who care for them,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients and carers managing end-of-life care at home.

 

“From knowledge about palliative care medicines and symptom management to developing grief and bereavement support skills, this training gives us the confidence to provide safe, compassionate, and practical support when it’s needed most.

 

“This isn’t about becoming a palliative care specialist, it’s about building everyday skills in our existing pharmacist workforce that can make a real difference in the quality of care people receive at the end of their life.

 

“With more Australians choosing to spend their final days at home, I encourage all pharmacists – whatever your area of practice – to take this opportunity to grow your practice so that we can support our palliative patients with care and confidence,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

Camilla Rowland, CEO of Palliative Care Australia, said a foundational understanding of palliative and end-of-life care across the health workforce is essential to meeting community needs.

 

“Supporting people to live, and die, well means building palliative care capability across the entire health system. That includes pharmacists, often among the first healthcare professional patients and carers turn to for advice.

 

“This training program is a practical guide to supporting palliative care patients and carers. On behalf of Palliative Care Australia I encourage pharmacists to take up the opportunity to learn more about palliative care and the role you can play in quality end of life care.”

 

The training is available now, free of charge, to all registered pharmacists, intern pharmacists and pharmacy students across Australia. Visit the ASPIRE Palliative Care Foundation Training Program for more information.

 

 

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

PSA congratulates Mark Butler on return as Health Minister

13 May 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates the Hon. Mark Butler MP on his reappointment as Minister for Health and Ageing and appointment as Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the 48th Parliament.

 

PSA also congratulates the Sam Rae MP on his appointment as Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, the Hon. Emma McBride MP on her reappointment as Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, and Rebecca White as Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health and Assistant Minister for Women. Further, PSA welcomes the announcement of Dan Repacholi MP as Special Envoy for Men’s Health.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed the government’s team into the health portfolio.

 

“As the peak representative organisation of pharmacists in all practice settings across Australia, PSA looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Minister Butler and the Albanese Government to improve health care for all Australians.

 

“In the last term, PSA entered into the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice with the Government, supporting our continued custodianship of pharmacist standards, codes and guidelines and ensuring they remain fit-for-purpose.

 

“We have also commenced work on a new pharmacy programs agreement, with a health sector roundtable held in April and consultation with the profession ongoing.

 

“These are positive steps forward, but the work continues to ensure our profession has the tools and support needed to improve patients’ access to healthcare and quality use of medicines and medicine safety.

 

“The next parliamentary term is critical to addressing the key challenges our country is facing with an ageing population and greater demands on our health system than ever before. PSA is absolutely committed to working with Minister Butler and other government stakeholders to support the pharmacy profession to play our role in providing timely, accessible care to our communities.”

 

Associate Professor Sim also acknowledged and thanked the Hon. Ged Kearney MP and the Hon Annika Wells MP for their service to the health and aged care portfolios.

 

“I thank Assistant Minister Kearney and Minister Wells for their engagement over the previous term and wish them well in their new roles.

 

“On behalf of PSA and Australia’s 40,000 pharmacists, I sincerely thank Minister Butler and the entire Ministerial team for their continued passion and commitment to more accessible, better health care for all Australians.”

 

 

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

PSA welcomes extension to MMR and ACOP deadline

12 May 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed today’s announcement by the Pharmacy Programs Administrator (PPA) extending transition arrangements for pharmacists delivering Medication Management Review (MMR) and Aged Care On-site Pharmacist (ACOP) services.

 

The extension means pharmacists can continue delivering services using their existing Medication Review Numbers (MRNs) while they transition to new credentialing requirements. The MMR transition is extended to 31 December 2025, and the ACOP transition extended to 30 June 2026.

 

PSA Consultant Pharmacist Adviser Debbie Rigby FPS also welcomed the extension of transition arrangements.

 

“PSA continues to support consultant pharmacists through the transition to new credentials, we’ve heard your concerns and have advocated for more time particularly in ACOP roles.

 

“I’m pleased there has been a time extension to complete the ACOP credential whilst continuing to implement this valuable service in aged care facilities,” Ms Rigby concluded.

 

Chair of PSA’s Consultant Pharmacists Community of Specialty Interest (CSI) Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) said the extension was a result of PSA’s ongoing advocacy for consultant pharmacists.

 

“This decision provides much-needed certainty for consultant pharmacists, ensuring they can continue delivering critical patient care while completing their credentialing,” Ms Hawthorne said.

 

“We encourage all pharmacists to submit their evidence for recognition of prior learning (RPL) as soon as possible. We expect this will be the final extension, so it’s your last real opportunity to make the most of the RPL pathway.

 

“The Consultant Pharmacist CSI is here to support members in any way we can – I invite those starting or progressing through their credentialing to connect with the CSI and our amazing community of pharmacists.

 

PSA remains committed to supporting pharmacists through the transition process and ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of patients and aged care residents,” Ms Hawthorne said.

 

PSA Medication Management Review Credential and Aged Care On-site Credential are open for enrolment now, both with RPL pathways available.

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

Championing access to core palliative care medicines for people receiving end-of-life care

8 May 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is continuing its leadership in quality use of medicines as part of a new consortium led by Palliative Care Australia, set to deliver targeted education to prescribers, pharmacists and aged care nurses on critical palliative medicines.

 

Supported by the Australian Government’s Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology (QUDTP) Program, the Quality Use of Community Palliative Care Medicines Project combines the expertise of Palliative Care Australia, PSA, Metro South Hospital and Health Service, and Ageing Australia to improve medicine safety and the safer use of the first nationally agreed National Core Community Palliative Care Medicines List.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the consortium builds on PSA’s continued leadership in quality of use of medicines, ensuring that pharmacists are equipped to support and meet the complex needs of palliative care patients.

 

“Our role in supporting appropriate and safe use of medicines is even more important for palliative patients, where timely access to core medicines, particularly those that provide urgent symptom relief, can significantly impact patient comfort and quality of life.

 

“With 90 per cent of Australians wanting to be cared for at home, this project will further develop important education and resources for pharmacists supporting palliative patients and carers with the medicines they need to be manage pain and symptoms” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

Camilla Rowland, CEO of Palliative Care Australia, added:​

 

“This project will support pharmacists, GPs, nurse practitioners, and aged care nurses with vital education on critical palliative care medicines.

 

“Timely access to these medicines is essential to reduce suffering, avoid unnecessary hospital transfers and respect the wishes of many Australians who would prefer to die at home or in a community setting.”

 

 

Resources are currently in development and will be available to all pharmacists, free of charge.

 

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

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New leadership for PSA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice CSI

7 May 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the appointment of a new leadership group for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice (ATSIPP) Community of Specialty Interest (CSI), chaired by respected pharmacist and proud Nywaigi Mamu woman, Chastina Heck MPS.

 

The ATSIPP CSI plays a vital role in championing culturally safe pharmacy practices, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists, and improving health outcomes across communities. With the appointment of this new leadership group, PSA reaffirms its commitment to equity, representation, and empowering Indigenous voices within the profession. PSA recognises culturally safe care and equity of health care access as critical drivers to improving health outcomes.

 

PSA values its ongoing collaborative relationship with NACCHO and is committed to the principles of community control and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In co-design with NACCHO, PSA has delivered key initiatives including the “Integrating pharmacists into Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services” (IPAC) trial and development of the Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training Course to equip pharmacists with the skills needed to work within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.

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The 2025 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice CSI Leadership Group includes:

• Chastina Heck MPS (Chair)
• Atinuke (Tinu) Abraham MPS
• Jaimee Anderson MPS
• Carli Berrill MPS
• Jenny Cooper MPS
• Hannah Mann (NACCHO)
• Dr Jared Miles
• Yvette McGrath MPS
• Alice Nugent MPS
• Mike Stephens MPS
• Cheyne Sullivan
• Kelly Tanner
• Shi-Anne Wallace (inaugural NAPSA Indigenous Chair)

• Lisa Wark MPS

• Lucky Zeniou MPS

This group brings together expertise from across practice settings and communities, united by a shared vision to elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes through inclusive, pharmacist-led care.

 

“I am excited to bring together this leadership group who bring with them a vast knowledge of real-world experience to guide the path ahead,” Ms Heck said.

 

“As pharmacists continue to create real change in the way healthcare is delivered for our First Nations people and communities.”

 

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice CSI continues to collaborate with PSA’s broader network, delivering initiatives such as professional development opportunities, cultural safety guidance, and advocacy for expanded roles for pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and beyond.

 

PSA encourages members to connect with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice CSI through its Facebook group and upcoming events.

 

For more information about the CSI or to get involved, visit:
www.psa.org.au/communities-of-specialty-interest  

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

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