Tasmanian budget delivers crucial investment to take pharmacist-led care to the next level

21 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed investments that will strengthen access to pharmacist-led care, delivered today by the Treasurer, the Hon. Eric Abetz, in the 2026-27 Tasmanian State Budget. 

 

The 2026-27 Tasmanian State Budget has outlined: 

• $1 million to fund scholarships for more pharmacists to undertake expanded scope of practice training,  

• $1 million in funding for community pharmacy grants – with up to $125,000 per pharmacy to support access to after-hours care, and 

• $20 million over four years to The Health Revolution: 20-Year Preventative Health Strategy.  

 

PSA Tasmanian Branch President, Joanne Gross MPS, said PSA has long been advocating for pharmacist scholarships to support the growing role of pharmacists in Australia’s healthcare system.  

 

“Pharmacists play a crucial role as one of Australia’s most accessible healthcare professionals, particularly in rural and regional centres, which makes these investments so important in expanding the range of services we can provide for our patients,” she said. 

 

“This is a practical step forward which will improve access to timely assessment and treatments for many patients. As more pharmacists undertake prescribing training, patients will have greater access to treatments for conditions such as ear infections and urinary tract infections, alongside access to hormonal contraception.”  

 

Ms Gross also welcomed support for greater after-hours pharmacist care: 

 

“Healthcare doesn’t stop at the end of the working day. Patients still need access to healthcare after hours, which is why we’re so pleased to welcome grants that expand access to after-hours pharmacy care.”

 

The PSA commends the Tasmanian Government on these initiatives and looks forward to working alongside them to deliver safer, more accessible healthcare for Tasmanians.

 

The PSA is currently taking enrolments for Tasmanian pharmacists in our Graduate Certificate in Pharmacist Prescribing course. More information 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. 

PSA welcomes expansion of needle-free flu vaccine for QLD children and adolescents

19 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to expand the needle-free influenza vaccination program for those aged 6 to under 18 who struggle with needles.

 

The expansion builds on the 2026 Queensland Free Flu Vaccination Program and the Queensland Nasal Spray Flu Immunisation Program, which currently provides free needle-free influenza vaccines for children 2-5.

 

PSA QLD President, Hannah Knowles MPS, said extending eligibility for FluMist would remove significant barriers to vaccination and improve overall protection against influenza in QLD.

 

“For many families, it is a real challenge to ensure our children are protected against illness, such as influenza, particularly with so many children having an aversion to needles,” she said.

 

“This fear of needles presents a genuine vaccination barrier, and so the expansion of free access to FluMist for more children and adolescents will significantly increase QLD’s vaccination rates.

 

“Community pharmacies are well placed to support children and families in being protected against influenza, particularly now with the expanded access to those who may have otherwise avoided vaccination.”

 

The PSA applauds the practical and patient-centred steps taken by the QLD government to make vaccination easier for patients and encourages QLD families to speak with their pharmacist to determine the most appropriate influenza vaccination option this flu season.

 

 

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.  

All in for culturally safe care: Pharmacists urged to strengthen delivery of the PBS Closing the Gap Co payment Program

18 May 2026

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), in collaboration with Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha), the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (the Guild), is calling on pharmacists and pharmacy staff to strengthen their commitment to delivering culturally safe care when supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the Closing the Gap (CTG) PBS Co-payment Program.

 

With support from the pharmacy sector, the PSA is hosting a webinar during National Reconciliation Week to assist all pharmacy staff in navigating and strengthening the CTG PBS co-payment Program.

 

The National Reconciliation Week theme, ‘All in for Reconciliation,’ provides a timely opportunity for pharmacy organisations and NACCHO to come together and recognise that improving First Nations health outcomes is a shared responsibility.

 

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the CTG PBS Co-payment Program plays a vital role in improving access to affordable medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

“The CTG PBS Co-payment Program provides the opportunity to close the gap in health outcomes faced by First Nations Australians and foster equitable access to medicines,” he said.

 

“Wherever you practice, whether you’re a pharmacy assistant, technician, student, intern, or pharmacist, you play a role in ensuring First Nations peoples receive care that is considered culturally safe, respectful, and responsive. I encourage you to get involved and attend the upcoming webinar.”

 

 

Mike Stephens, NACCHO’s Director of Medicines Policy and Programs, emphasised the importance of developing and delivering culturally safe models of care.

 

“It’s incredibly important that people feel safe when accessing CTG prescriptions, but we know this hasn’t always been the experience,” he said.

 

“PSA’s webinar provides a great opportunity for pharmacists to nurture strong, community-level relationships by thinking about how and where conversations about the CTG PBS Co-payment Program are conducted, and what systems are in place to support these communities.

 

“We need all pharmacy staff to get involved, ensure the Program delivers the outcomes it intends to, and ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples receive culturally safe care.”

 

 

AdPha President, Associate Professor Tom Simpson, said that with funding now available to expand the CTG PBS Co-payment Program, the focus must now shift to consistent, culturally safe implementation across hospital and primary care settings.

 

“We are proud to work collaboratively across the pharmacy sector to support stronger access to medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” he said.

 

“After years of advocacy to improve equity between primary and acute care, it is critical that this program is implemented in a way that supports patients seamlessly as they move through the health system and ensures culturally safe care remains at the centre of every interaction.”

 

 

The Guild’s First Nations Pharmacy Network Chair, Linda Burney, noted:

 

“Through the CTG PBS Co-payment Program, community pharmacy teams help reduce cost barriers and support continuity of care for First Nations people.

 

“Delivering the program effectively requires culturally responsive practice, clear communication, and strong local relationships.

 

“The Guild is pleased to support this webinar and encourage pharmacy staff to continue building their understanding and confidence to provide care that meets the needs of First Nations communities.”

 

 

The PSA, AdPha, NACCHO, and the Guild are united in their commitment to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples receive high-quality, culturally safe care wherever they access pharmacy services.

 

The webinar, Stories that Drive Change: Pharmacy’s role in Closing the Gap, will take place on Wednesday 27 May from 7.00-8.15 pm, on the first night of National Reconciliation Week.

 

Register here: https://psa-org-au.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_70bmGfXNSIq2-PNOZDFNsQ.

 

 

 

Media contacts

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. 

Patients at risk as the Federal Budget keeps medicine safety frozen in the previous decade

12 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the peak body for Australia’s 41,000 pharmacists, has expressed its disappointment with the outcome of the 2026-27 Federal Budget, leaving one of Australia’s top ten national health priorities stuck in the last decade.

 

The Budget has failed to deliver urgent and overdue investment in pharmacist-led medicine safety programs, continuing to leave thousands of pharmacists in financially unviable positions and placing Australians at risk of harm from preventable hospitalisations, medical emergencies, and premature death.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the outcome was incredibly frustrating, particularly for vulnerable Australians living with chronic and complex conditions, the elderly, and those in residential care and more acutely felt in rural, remote and regional Australia.

 

“Pharmacists provide frontline patient care, delivering essential medicines safety services every single day to keep people well and out of hospital,” said Professor Naunton.

 

“The Federal Government acknowledges medicine safety as a top ten health priority, yet this Budget continues to neglect these programs, which have now been frozen for seven years. 

 

“The First Pharmacy Program Agreement Heads of Agreement secured these medicine safety programs and workforce programs as ongoing programs. But without funding to address the key issues of indexation, the removal of service caps, and program flexibility, these programs, which are predominantly delivered by women, will continue to widen the gender pay gap for these pharmacists.”

 

Despite the proposals put forward to the government in PSA’s Budget Submission, which included seeking progress on the Heads of Agreement for the First Pharmacy Program Agreement signed last December, there is:

• no funding to reinstate indexation for pharmacist service fees, which have been frozen since 2019, meaning credentialed pharmacists are taking a pay cut each year,
• no change to the monthly cap of 30 Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs), meaning patients will continue to languish on waiting lists, including those who require urgent intervention
• no reform on any flexibility measures to help pharmacists care for vulnerable Australians promptly and effectively,
• and no change to key medication management programs.

 

Professor Naunton called on the government to address this funding shortfall and fast-track the signing of the First Pharmacy Programs Agreement:

 

“The 1PPA recognises the need to ensure fair and equitable remuneration for pharmacists and to remove barriers to effective service delivery,” he said.

 

“The PSA remains determined to negotiate with the government on this, as it is critical to achieve reform of pharmacy program design and service delivery.

 

“We will not sign a pharmacy programs agreement until we have a pathway to addressing fair remuneration and flexibility”.

 

The PSA recognises and welcomes the government’s $41.2 million commitment in the Budget to the expansion of the National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program, which will allow, for the first time, children under the age of 5 years to access free vaccination services in pharmacy, where permitted by state and territory regulation.

 

“This measure will unlock the potential of pharmacists to do more to help address the declining rates of childhood vaccination in Australia.” Prof Naunton concluded.

 

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 expanded scope of practice for NT

12 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has applauded the Finocchiaro government’s announcement to expand the scope of practice for Northern Territory (NT) pharmacists.  

 

Patients in the Northern Territory will be able to visit participating local pharmacies where trained pharmacists can assess, diagnose, and manage or treat 21 common conditions, where clinically appropriate.  

 

2025 PSA Symbion Pharmacist of the Year, Jaimee Anderson MPS, who lives and works in Katherine, NT, has warmly welcomed the announcement.  

 

“This has the potential to streamline services and provide access, particularly during the tourist season, when demand outnumbers the capacity of primary health services,” she said.  

 

“We know that the tourist season sees a rise in the number of people needing healthcare services. Pharmacist prescribing can and will reduce the burden on GPs during periods of increasing demand.  

 

“This announcement is the right move for the NT and is sure to be well received by patients, healthcare professionals, and travellers.”  

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the announcement is a step forward for pharmacists to deliver frontline health care.  

 

“People living in the Northern Territory will be able to receive treatment, advice, and medicines from appropriately trained local pharmacists for a number of common health conditions,” said Professor Naunton.  

 

“We expect this to ease the pressure on primary health networks, reduce hospital presentations, and support the Territory’s health system overall. 

 

“We look forward to working with the Northern Territory government and pharmacists to ensure patients continue to receive safe, high-quality healthcare.”  

 

The PSA’s Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program is now taking enrolments, with eligible pharmacists able to access a training subsidy of up to $8,500 for successful completion of the course. 

 

Further information regarding PSA’s Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Program can be found here: https://www.psa.org.au/pharmacist-prescribing-scope-of-practice-training-program/#1764307925514-bf27e406-fd28 

 

More information following the announced changes in the NT can be accessed here: https://findapharmacy.com.au/nt-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. 

Getting to the heart of palliative care: PSA launches new community of practice

11 May 2026

 

In support of National Palliative Care Week (10-16 May), the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is launching its new Palliative Care Community of Practice (COP) in collaboration with Palliative Care Australia, Ageing Australia, and caring@home, recognising the essential role that pharmacists play in providing timely, compassionate end-of-life care. 

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the Palliative Care COP was designed to support pharmacists to optimise medication management and to ensure patients receive quality end-of-life care that is safe, effective, and respectful. 

  

“Following the success of PSA’s ASPIRE Palliative Care Foundation Training Program, we are delighted to launch our new COP and equip pharmacists with the skills and support they need to deliver compassionate palliative care services,” Professor Naunton said. 

  

“The community of practice will bring pharmacists from all practice settings and career stages together to discuss real-world cases, build confidence in delivering palliative care, and learn from clinical experts, such as the newly appointed Palliative Care COP Chair, Penny Tuffin FPS. 

  

“I have no doubt Penny will do a fantastic job in this role. Her long-standing commitment to advancing the role of pharmacists in palliative care makes her the perfect person to chair this group.” 

  

COP Chair, Penny Tuffin FPS, said she was thrilled to lead PSA’s new Palliative Care COP.  

  

“Pharmacists are uniquely placed to support patients and families at one of the most challenging times of their lives, and this requires not only clinical knowledge, but empathy, compassion and confidence,” Ms Tuffin said. 

  

“I am excited to be part of the new palliative care COP to connect with, engage, and empower pharmacists who are interested in or involved in delivering palliative care medicines. 

  

“I look forward to working with the PSA and the Palliative Care COP to strengthen the role of pharmacists in palliative and end-of-life care.” 

 

The Palliative Care COP is supported by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing through the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology Commonwealth Funding. 

 

More information about the Palliative Care COP can be accessed here: https://www.psa.org.au/palliative-care-community-of-practice/  

 

 

 

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 announces branch committee election results

6 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today announced the results of the recent PSA Branch Committee elections. 

 

The elected officials bring diverse knowledge, experience, and skills that will further support the pharmacy profession as they represent their states and territories. 

 

The PSA wishes to thank all members who nominated and extends their sincerest congratulations to the elected PSA State and Territory Branch Committee officials. 

 

The three-year term commences on 1 July 2026, with the elected officials serving until 30 June 2029. 

  

ACT Elected Officials  

• Brad BUTT FPS 

• Olivia COLLENETTE MPS 

• Erin COOPER MPS 

• Ben GILBERT MPS 

• Andrew KELLY MPS 

• Jessica LEUNG MPS 

• Jacqueline LOCKLEY MPS 

• Alicia MARTIN MPS 

• Andrew MATTHEWS MPS 

• Mark NAUNTON MPS 

• Kirolos WASEF MPS 

 

NSW Elected Officials 

• Anna BARWICK FPS 

• Helen BENSON MPS 

• Karen CARTER FPS 

• Jack COLLINS FPS 

• Simone DIAMANDIS FPS 

• Caroline DIAMANTIS FPS 

• Sharon DOOLAN FPS 

• Luke KELLY FPS 

• Nicholas LOGAN FPS 

• Rebekah MOLES FPS 

• Krysti-Lee PATTERSON MPS 

• Lily PHAM MPS 

 

QLD Elected Officials  

• Michael ALLEN MPS 

• Sue CARSON MPS 

• James BUCKLEY MPS 

• Emma CONWAY MPS 

• Kate GUNTHORPE MPS 

• Andrew HALE MPS 

• Shane MACDONALD FPS 

• Jessica MELDRUM MPS 

• Tim ROBERTS MPS 

• Hung TRAN MPS 

• Karla WRIGHT MPS 

• Lakis (Lucky) ZENIOU MPS 

 

SA/NT Elected Officials 

• Jaimee ANDERSON MPS 

• Adam FORREST MPS 

• Lauren FRASER MPS 

• Jack JANETZKI MPS 

• Naga Akhil PUTLURU MPS 

• Rebecca ROGERS MPS 

• Veronika SEDA MPS 

• Natalie SOULSBY FPS 

• Jackie TOTMAN MPS 

• Raymond TRUONG MPS 

 

TAS Elected Officials  

• Millicent (Milli) BOROWICZ MPS 

• Nicole DILWORTH MPS 

• Declan FAHEY MPS 

• Joanne GROSS MPS 

• Lucy MUIR WILSON MPS 

• Ilwoo PARK MPS 

• David PEACHEY MPS 

• Lucy ROWELL MPS 

• Angus THOMPSON FPS 

• Mackenzie WILLIAMS MPS  

 

VIC Elected Officials 

• Atinuke (Tinu) ABRAHAM FPS 

• Yvette ANDERSON MPS 

• Joshua COOPER MPS 

• Amanda CROSS FPS 

• David FROON MPS 

• Deborah HAWTHORNE FPS 

• Catherine NGUYEN MPS 

• Kellie SAUNDERS MPS 

• Brooke SHELLY FPS 

• Julie STEVENS MPS 

• Kate WANG MPS 

• Pene WOOD MPS 

 

WA Elected Officials  

• Craig CLARK MPS 

• Michael HEWSON MPS 

• Kathy HOW MPS 

• Shaylee MILLS MPS 

• Phuong NGUYEN MPS 

• Ayomide (Mide) OGUNDIPE MPS 

• Rhiannon PRICE MPS 

• Kristian RAY MPS 

• Lusi SHEEHAN MPS 

• 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. 

Leading pharmacists recognised at PSA Tasmanian Pharmacist Awards

2 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has recognised the outstanding contribution, leadership, and dedication of Tasmania’s pharmacists, who have demonstrated excellence across various stages of the profession, at the 2026 PSA Tasmanian Pharmacist Awards.

 

The 2026 award recipients are: 

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Anne Todd FPS 

• Pharmacist of the Year – Gilian Pugh MPS 

• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Millicent (Milli) Borowicz MPS 

• Intern Pharmacist of the Year – Corey Bowden MPS 

 

 

PSA Tasmanian President, Joanne Gross MPS, congratulated the recipients for their dedication to improving the health of Tasmanians and their positive representation on behalf of the pharmacy workforce.

 

“Tonight’s recipients are incredibly deserving of their recognition, whether they have dedicated their lifetime to serving the profession and the Tasmanian community or they’re newcomers to the profession as interns or early career pharmacists,” Ms Gross said. 

 

“Their professionalism and compassion reflect the pharmacy profession at its best and are the reason why the community trusts pharmacists as their local medicines experts. On behalf of PSA and the entire pharmacy profession, congratulations to our Tasmanian winners.”

 

 

Anne Todd FPS has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her sustained and significant impact in ensuring pharmacists and other health professionals in Northern Tasmania, and beyond, have consistent access to high-quality professional learning opportunities.

 

Anne’s dedication to the profession spans several decades, having held roles in governance, education, and mentoring pharmacists and health professionals throughout their careers. Recently, she has been instrumental in the success of the Northern Campus of the University of Tasmania’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, enabling students to study locally and increasing the region’s healthcare workforce.  

 

 

Pharmacist of the Year, Gillian Pugh MPS, has been recognised for her exceptional commitment to medicine safety and access to care, delivering Home Medicines Reviews across North East Tasmania. 

 

In a rural health system where services can often feel strained and stretched, Gill brings enthusiasm and professionalism that exemplify community care. Her diligence and deep commitment to patient safety make Gill an indispensable partner in clinical practice, setting a benchmark for collaborative, patient-centred pharmacy practice.  

 

 

Millicent (Milli) Borowicz MPS, was named the Early Career Pharmacist of the Year for her enthusiastic, thoughtful approach to healthcare delivery in rural Tasmania.

 

Milli actively engages with her community to identify and rectify gaps in healthcare access on the Tasman Peninsula. She advocates for change on behalf of her patients and takes every opportunity to expand the range of services available to meet the community’s needs.  

 

 

The Intern Pharmacist of the Year award was presented to Corey Bowden MPS, for his strong leadership and positive influence on the health of his patients. 

 

Corey is passionate about preventative health, working with patients to understand and overcome concerns to increase vaccination rates. During his intern year, he mentored pharmacy students and other interns, demonstrating his commitment to professional growth for his team, the broader pharmacy profession, and himself.

 

 

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.

Rural leadership, emerging talent, and lifelong service celebrated at PSA WA Pharmacist Awards

1 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has tonight announced the winners of the PSA Western Australian (WA) Pharmacist Awards, recognising outstanding pharmacists who have demonstrated excellence in their practice and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for their communities.

 

The 2026 award recipients are: 

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Celia Sansom MPS 

• Pharmacist of the Year – Amanda Bryce MPS 

• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Shaylee Mills MPS 

• Intern Pharmacist of the Year – Emma Engelke MPS 

 

PSA WA President, Kristian Ray MPS, congratulated tonight’s recipients, recognising their contributions to patient care, professional leadership, and their influence on the future of the pharmacy profession. 

 

“The WA pharmacist awards celebrate excellence across pharmacy practice. From interns to established pharmacists, these individuals are shaping the future of pharmacy and strengthening patient care across the state. 

 

“On behalf of PSA, I’m proud to recognise and celebrate the WA award winners – Celia, Amanda, Shaylee, and Emma. Congratulations to you all!”  

 

 

Celia Sansom MPS has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her continued contributions to the pharmacy profession through leadership, governance, and education.

 

Celia’s career spans decades of unwavering service to advancing the pharmacy profession in Western Australia and overseas. She was an instrumental figure in implementing professional services models in community pharmacy and remains dedicated to supporting patients in the rural town of Narrogin. 

 

 

Pharmacist of the Year, Amanda Bryce MPS, has been recognised for her significant service to pharmacy practice, education, and workforce development in Western Australia.

 

With a breadth of experience spanning community pharmacy, aged care, consultant pharmacy, and academia, Amanda is well respected among her colleagues, students, and patients. Her mentorship and innovation have strengthened pharmacist capability across Western Australia and advanced patient-centred models of care that improve access, safety, and health outcomes for her community. 

 

 

The rural pharmacist, Shaylee Mills MPS, was named the Early Career Pharmacist of the Year for her demonstrated leadership in rural practice, professional advocacy, and mentorship.

 

Shaylee is widely known for her passion and commitment to improving access to care in regional centres, emphasising the important role pharmacists play in these communities. She is a strong advocate for contemporary pharmacy practice and early career pharmacists across Australia. 

 

 

The Intern Pharmacist of the Year award was presented to Emma Engelke MPS, for her commitment to patient care and contributions to workforce development during her internship in remote Western Australia.

 

As a proud Kija woman from East Kimberley, Emma demonstrates outstanding initiative in providing culturally safe care and increasing community engagement. Her leadership, professionalism, and passion embody the values of a pharmacist deserving of this award.  

 

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 urge Telehealth reinstatement amid worsening fuel crisis

April 23 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is urging the Federal Government to immediately reinstate Telehealth for Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) as the current fuel shortage is beginning to impact patient care.

 

Thousands of credentialed pharmacists throughout Australia routinely travel to patient homes to provide HMRs, but with petrol prices skyrocketing and pumps running dry, pharmacists say people will die if they can’t access this lifesaving service, particularly those in rural and remote communities.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the reinstatement of Telehealth is vital to patient health.

 

“Credentialed pharmacists are driving hundreds of kilometres every week, visiting homes and aged care facilities, supporting our most vulnerable Australians as they conduct medication reviews,” he said.

 

“These pharmacists are visiting patients battling terminal illness and those living with chronic disease, many of them elderly and isolated.

 

“The support these patients need, such as medication reviews, is becoming rapidly unsustainable amid the current fuel crisis, unless the government reinstates Telehealth.

 

“We know Telehealth worked effectively and efficiently during the COVID-19 pandemic, so why not now?”

 

Credentialed pharmacist from Queensland, Karalyn Huxhagen FPS, who regularly drives long distances visiting patients in rural centres, says Telehealth must be brought back as a matter of urgency.

 

“The fuel crisis has made it impossible to deliver medication reviews in Western Queensland, and with no increase to the travel allowance for several years, the cost of travel and accommodation has made the program non-viable,” Ms Huxhagen said.

 

“On top of the cost, the inability to access fuel consistently is a constant concern, as I am providing services to tiny communities and all deliveries have been reduced in the current economic environment.

 

“I cannot maintain a program at a loss. I am a sole contractor who must now close my business and leave patients without the medication support service that has been in place since 1998.”

 

Gippsland pensioner, John Maugher, is heavily reliant on his local credentialed pharmacist as he is virtually housebound, living with complex, chronic health issues and being legally blind.

 

“A Telehealth appointment to keep tabs on my health if reinstated as a temporary measure would alleviate my increasing distress and feelings of isolation,” said Mr Maugher.

 

“It is also unfair on Australians who live outside cities and don’t have access to other forms of support.”

 

The reinstatement of Telehealth is part of a broader suite of reforms the PSA is advocating for to ensure all Australians receive fair and equitable access to care.

 

 

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.