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PSA Foundation and Dementia Australia unite ahead of Dementia Action Week

18 September 2026

 

Ahead of Dementia Action Week (21-27 September), the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) are reinforcing its commitment to supporting the critical role pharmacists play in improving medicine safety and health outcomes for Australians living with dementia.

 

One of the key focus areas for the PSA Foundation (the Foundation), PSA’s registered charity, is to highlight the need for pharmacists working in dementia care to be appropriately trained and upskilled in a practical way that puts people living with dementia first.

 

Sponsored by the Foundation and delivered in collaboration with Dementia Australia, the organisations are offering an accredited educational webinar for pharmacists to help them identify high-risk medicines, evaluate the benefits and limitations of pharmacological treatments for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, and support safe deprescribing across different care settings.

 

The webinar, held on September 23, is open to all pharmacy students, interns, and pharmacists.

 

PSA Foundation Chair, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, said the initiative reflects the Foundation’s growing commitment to supporting healthcare professionals in areas where they can have the greatest impact on patient outcomes.

 

“Dementia rates are rising across Australia, and many pharmacists report a lack of confidence in navigating the complexities of medicines management in dementia care,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“It is incredibly important for pharmacists to understand the roles they play in reducing avoidable hospitalisations, adverse drug events, and unnecessary difficulties for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

 

“We often talk about pharmacists being highly accessible healthcare professionals who are uniquely positioned to support the needs of Australians. This webinar will provide evidence-based, case-based learning to assist pharmacists in dementia care, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for people living with dementia.”

 

Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer, Professor Tanya Buchanan, welcomed the collaboration and the opportunity to further strengthen pharmacists’ contribution to dementia care.

 

“There are an estimated 446,500 people living with dementia in Australia in 2026, and a further 1.7 million people involved in their care,” Professor Buchanan said.

 

“Pharmacists play an integral role in dementia care, and it’s important that they are equipped with the knowledge to provide evidence-based, person-centred support and advice to people living with dementia, their families, and carers.

 

“The collaboration between Dementia Australia and the PSA Foundation reflects a shared commitment to improving dementia care for people living with dementia, carers, pharmacists, and all healthcare professionals.”

 

The PSA Foundation’s work in dementia care forms part of a broader strategic commitment to advancing health outcomes in aged care, cardiovascular disease, and mental health through education, awareness, research, and partnerships.

 

Pharmacists interested in attending the accredited webinar can register here.

 

For dementia information and support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen

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

 

PSAFoundation contact: Bronwyn Bell

E: bronwyn.walker@psa.org.au or foundation@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. 

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Pharmacists ready to do more: PSA calls for pharmacists to have a more prominent role in harm reduction

16 September 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the recent report for the inquiry into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia, published this week by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care, and Disability.

 

The report includes recommendations informed by PSA’s submission, highlighting the long-established role of pharmacists in harm reduction, both internationally and in Australia.

 

In its submission, PSA stated that, compared with other countries, Australian pharmacists are still underutilised and could have a more prominent role in harm reduction and alcohol and other drugs services.

 

PSA National President, Professor Naunton MPS, emphasised that pharmacists are medicine and medication management experts as well as custodians of the safe, effective, and quality use of medicines for all Australians.

 

“Pharmacists play a critical role in medicine safety and in ensuring the safe provision of harm reduction services on the frontline,” Professor Naunton said.

 

“In Australia, pharmacists are improving access to essential services such as the provision of opioid dependence treatment, take-home naloxone, and needle and syringe programs, among others.

 

“Access to pharmacist-delivered harm reduction services is critical in rural, regional, and remote communities where the report recognises that pharmacists are often the sole health professionals in these locations.”

 

PSA Harm Reduction Champion, Krishna Nathwani MPS, said pharmacists are well placed as accessible health professionals embedded in the community who deliver life-saving harm reduction services, including reducing opioid-related harms.

 

“The Take Home Naloxone program has been incredibly successful, with the pilot program demonstrating an estimated three lives saved per day,” Nathwani said.

 

“However, there are still access gaps in the identification and supply of naloxone to people at risk of experiencing or witnessing opioid toxicity.”

 

The PSA continues to work closely with governments, Primary Health Networks, and other stakeholders to ensure all Australians have safe access to medicines and receive respectful care when accessing harm reduction services.

 

 

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.

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PSA building momentum for pharmacists’ role in palliative care

14 September 2026

 

Pharmacists will be providing greater support for people with life-limiting illnesses, their families, carers, and the interprofessional teams who care for them, thanks to further initiatives being undertaken by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the nation’s peak professional body representing Australia’s 42,000 pharmacists.

 

From 2026 to 2030, PSA will deliver a range of activities to further upskill pharmacists in palliative care, broaden pharmacists’ roles in advance care planning, and support expanded career pathways for pharmacists in palliative care.

 

The PSA’s Palliative Care Pharmacist Integration and Workforce Development Initiative builds on the success of the National Palliative Care Project 2023-2026, where PSA supported more than 2,500 pharmacists through a foundation training program in palliative care and delivered six service model pilots embedding pharmacists in Specialist Palliative Care Service community teams.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said PSA is committed to building a skilled workforce and creating care models that support the needs of patients and families accessing palliative care services.

 

“The PSA has been involved in palliative care projects for nearly a decade now, working in partnership with Primary Health Networks and state and federal governments.” Professor Naunton said.

 

“This is an opportunity to build on the learnings from the pilots. We’re looking to progress palliative care education and training opportunities for pharmacists and support pharmacists to meet the rising demand for palliative care in Australia.”

 

The PSA’s Palliative Care Pharmacist Integration and Workforce Development Initiative is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

 

Pharmacists wishing to enrol in the ASPIRE Palliative Care Foundation Training Program with PSA can do so at https://my.psa.org.au/s/training-plan/a11RF000003zzcjYAA/aspire-palliative-care-foundation-training-program 

 

Pharmacists wanting to stay up to date on upcoming initiatives can do so by joining the PSA Palliative Care Community of Practice at: https://www.psa.org.au/networking-events/networking/palliative-care-community-of-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. 

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‘We are not backing down on these changes’; PSA welcomes NSW Premier’s announcements

10 September 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is pleased to welcome the New South Wales (NSW) Government’s announcements today, which will improve patients access to vaccination and treatment for common conditions.

 

Announced this morning by the Hon. Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, community pharmacies in NSW will be able to deliver all vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program from 1 January 2027.

 

The Premier further announced a trial for expanded scope of practice to include wound care, chronic disease management, otitis externa, and otitis media.

 

In line with Queensland pharmacist prescribing guidelines, NSW graduates will be authorised to prescribe and initiate the oral contraceptive pill.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, welcomed the Premier’s announcements, which will ensure pharmacist care is accessible to more Australians.

 

“The PSA has long advocated for pharmacists to deliver all vaccinations for all patients in all states,” Professor Naunton said.

 

“It is great that our frontline pharmacists will be able to provide patients with safe and quality healthcare when and where they need it.”

 

Professor Naunton said PSA would continue to work with the NSW government to ensure PSA’s Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing is recognised in NSW.

 

“While we are pleased to see that graduates from two prescribing courses will be recognised in NSW, PSA will continue to advocate for all courses accredited at the same Australian Qualifications Framework level to also be recognised, including PSA’s Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing,” he said.

 

“The PSA’s prescribing course is already recognised across five jurisdictions – Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.” 

 

 

 

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. 

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PSA joins global call to improve management and prevention of non-communicable diseases

2 September 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has joined with global organisations in endorsing the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s (FIP’s) Montreal Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). 

 

The declaration calls for action to ensure pharmacists are fully enabled to contribute to the prevention and management of all NCDs as integral members of primary healthcare teams. 

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the Montreal Declaration reflected the importance of utilising pharmacists to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Australia and overseas: 

 

“Non-communicable diseases account for the majority of deaths worldwide and also place increasing pressure on health systems. Living with a non-communicable disease can have a massive impact on individuals, including people’s ability to work, support their family or live a meaningful life,” Professor Naunton said.  

 

“As Australia’s peak professional body for pharmacists and FIP member organisation, PSA is proud to support this important global initiative. By signing this declaration, PSA joins over 100 other FIP member organisations and partners in calling for increased efforts to address non-communicable diseases.”  

 

Signing the declaration on behalf of PSA at the FIP Congress in Montreal, PSA Board Member, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, said it was critical that pharmacists in Australia and around the world are supported in the care they provide to people living with, or at risk of, NCDs: 

 

“The Montreal Declaration recognises the enormous role pharmacists already play in preventative care and in supporting people who live with chronic health conditions. We need to do more in every country around the world to support pharmacists in this work.” A/Prof Sim said. 

 

 

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.

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PSA welcomes Dr Michael Bonning as incoming AMA President

1 September 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Dr Michael Bonning on his election as the next President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and Dr Sarah Whitelaw on her election as Vice President.

 

Dr Bonning and Dr Whitelaw will commence their terms on 2 November 2026.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said PSA looked forward to continuing its strong collaboration with the AMA to advance patient care and strengthen Australia’s health system.

 

“On behalf of PSA and Australia’s pharmacists, I congratulate Dr Michael Bonning on his election as President of the AMA and Dr Sarah Whitelaw on her election as Vice President,” Professor Naunton said.

 

“As health care evolves, strengthening the collaboration between doctors and pharmacists will be critical to ensuring the health and well-being of Australians.

 

“The PSA looks forward to working with the AMA under the new leadership of Dr Bonning and Dr Whitelaw.”

 

Professor Naunton also acknowledged outgoing AMA President, Dr Danielle McMullen, for her leadership and contribution to healthcare advocacy.

 

“Dr McMullen has been a thoughtful and effective advocate for stronger multidisciplinary care throughout her presidency, particularly in recognising the important role pharmacists play in improving medicines management and patient outcomes.

 

“PSA thanks Danielle for her leadership and support in embedding pharmacists within general practice. We wish her all the very best for the future.”

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Media contact: Leah Jacobsen

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.

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Western Australian government recognises PSA’s Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing

1 September 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the Western Australian Government’s formal recognition of PSA’s Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing under the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot.

 

The Western Australian Government is further supporting community pharmacists by offering subsidised places for those looking to enrol in PSA’s Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing.

 

Under the pilot, appropriately trained pharmacists will be able to diagnose and treat 17 conditions, providing Western Australians with greater access to care.

 

PSA WA Branch President, Kristian Ray MPS, said the official recognition of PSA’s prescribing course and the training subsidy marked an important step towards improving access to care for Western Australians.

 

“We are delighted that Minister Hammat and the Western Australian Government have approved PSA’s Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing and are supporting 30 subsidised placements for pharmacists,” Mr Ray said.

 

“Many Western Australians, particularly those living in rural and remote communities, rely on pharmacists for timely access to care to manage uncomplicated urinary tract infections, resupply the oral contraceptive pill, and address skin conditions, among others.

 

“This change will enable more pharmacists to access prescribing training, allowing them to practise to their full scope and provide greater care for patients and communities across the state.”

 

The PSA looks forward to supporting Western Australian pharmacists in achieving the qualifications needed to deliver high-quality care to their patients and local communities.

 

Pharmacists seeking to expand their scope of practice can enrol in PSA’s Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing, available here.

 

Further information about the Western Australian Government’s Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot can be found here.

 

Dr Ayomide Ogundipe MPS, Mayli Foong MPS, The Hon. Meredith Hammat MLA, Kristian Ray MPS

 

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. 

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PSA welcomes Dr Ramya Raman as incoming RACGP President

26 August 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical of Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Dr Ramya Raman on her election as President-elect of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), welcoming her appointment as an opportunity to continue strengthening collaboration across primary care.  

 

Dr Raman was elected President-elect on 24 August 2026 and will formally assume the presidency at the RACGP Annual General Meeting in November 2026.  

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said Dr Raman’s extensive experience as a specialist GP, practice owner, educator, and RACGP leader positions her strongly to lead the profession through a period of significant change and reform.  

 

“On behalf of PSA and the pharmacy profession, I congratulate Dr Ramya Raman on being named RACGP President-elect,” Professor Naunton said.  

 

“Dr Raman has been a passionate advocate for quality primary care and for ensuring Australians can access the healthcare services they need, regardless of where they live. 

 

“The PSA looks forward to continuing its strong relationship with the RACGP under Dr Raman’s leadership, building on shared priorities including workforce sustainability, preventive health, access to care, and the long-term strength of Australia’s primary healthcare system.” 

 

Professor Naunton also thanked outgoing RACGP President Dr Michael Wright for his leadership and contribution to advancing collaborative care. 

 

“Dr Wright is a valued partner in progressing more integrated models of healthcare. His support for the integration of pharmacists within general practice settings has helped demonstrate the important role pharmacists can play as part of multidisciplinary care teams, improving medication safety, supporting chronic disease management, and enhancing patient outcomes,” Professor Naunton continued,  

 

“I want to acknowledge Dr Wright’s outstanding leadership of the RACGP and thank him for his commitment to collaboration in healthcare. We wish Dr Wright every success in the future.” 

 

 

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. 

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PSA calls for pharmacists to shape dispensing practice guidelines

25 August 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling on pharmacists in all practice areas and settings to contribute to the review of the Dispensing Practice Guidelines.  

 

Published by the PSA in 2019, the current Dispensing Practice Guidelines provide a foundational resource for pharmacists to support safe dispensing services. As pharmacy practice evolves, the review will ensure that the guidelines remain up to date and reflect advances in the pharmacy profession.  

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said every pharmacist has valuable insights into how dispensing practice is changing and what support is needed to deliver safe, high-quality care for the future.  

 

“Dispensing is a core professional function and responsibility for pharmacists, and a fundamental component of the safe and effective use of medicines,” Professor Naunton said.  

 

“The Dispensing Practice Guidelines are built by the profession, for the profession. This review and update is an important opportunity for pharmacists to shape the future of dispensing practice. 

 

“I encourage all pharmacists to contribute their perspectives and share their experiences to aid in supporting the updated guidelines to reflect modern pharmacy practice.” 

 

The survey is open from 13 August to 10 September, with responses informing and shaping the development of the upcoming draft revised guidelines, which will be released for further broad consultation in 2027.  

 

Pharmacists are encouraged to participate by completing the survey, available here.

 

Pharmacists wishing to participate can also engage by having a 1:1 virtual consultation with the Project Manager. Book virtual consultations by emailing: Mirna.Sydenham@psa.org.au.  

 

The PSA acknowledges the support of the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Mark Butler MP, for the review and update of the Dispensing Practice Guidelines, through funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing under the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacists’ Professional Practice. The review forms part of PSA’s broader program of work to strengthen and modernise the profession’s core standards and guidance. 

 

 

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. 

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PSA seeking to strengthen clinical governance in pharmacy practice

25 August 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched its national consultation for the review and update of the Clinical Governance Principles for Pharmacy Services, calling on pharmacists to shape one of the frameworks guiding the profession.  

 

The review of the Clinical Governance Principles for Pharmacy Services will ensure that the principles provide a contemporary framework for clinical governance, regardless of where pharmacy services are delivered. 

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the review is timely, with pharmacists’ expanded scope of practice creating new opportunities to improve access to care for patients and communities.  

 

“Clinical governance is fundamental in delivering safe and effective person-centred pharmacy care,” Professor Naunton said.  

 

“Strong clinical governance underpins patient safety, and patients should be confident that they will receive high-quality care wherever they access pharmacy services.  

 

“Establishing clear principles is critical to support safe, consistent, and high-quality care, which is why it is important for pharmacists to take the opportunity to participate in this review.”  

 

Pharmacists are encouraged to submit their feedback during the consultation period from 13 August to 10 September.

 

Participate here.

 

Pharmacists wishing to participate can also opt for a 1:1 virtual consultation with the Project Manager. Virtual consultations can be booked by emailing Mirna.Sydenham@psa.org.au. 

 

The review and update of the Clinical Governance Principles are supported by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Hon Mark Butler MP, and the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing under the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacists’ Professional Practice. The review forms part of PSA’s broader program of work to strengthen and modernise the profession’s core standards and guidance. 

 

 

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. 

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In the spirit of reconciliation, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were our first pharmacists.

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