PSA backs TGA action on medicinal cannabis safety, urges broader regulatory reform

11 August 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) consultation to address growing safety concerns surrounding unapproved medicinal cannabis products, commencing today 11 August 2025.

 

With more than 1,000 products currently accessed through the Special Access Scheme (SAS) and Authorised Prescriber (AP) scheme, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS is calling for reform that ensures medicinal cannabis is prescribed and dispensed safely, with appropriate oversight.

 

“PSA commends the TGA for taking action to address the growing safety concerns of both healthcare professionals and our community,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Unregistered medicinal cannabis products pose serious challenges, including inconsistent dosing, limited safety data, and minimal post-market surveillance. These gaps increase the risk of harm and demand greater care in prescribing.

 

“The SAS and AP scheme were designed for unique clinical situations, not as a loophole for hundreds of products to bypass regulatory scrutiny.

 

PSA supports the use of medicinal cannabis when clinically appropriate and overseen by qualified health professionals. However, the current system leaves pharmacists and prescribers without the tools they need to ensure safe and informed use.

 

PSA will engage with subject matter experts and the broader profession to inform its submission to the TGA and is committed to partnering with government to reduce harm from unapproved medicinal cannabis products.

 

While the TGA has acknowledged that product-specific telehealth and digital services fall outside its scope, PSA is calling on other regulators to step up scrutiny of vertically integrated, direct-to-consumer business models.

 

“More needs to be done to curtail aggressive telehealth services that, in many cases, appear to lack robust clinical governance. There is a place for medicinal cannabis products, but we need to prioritise the tools and regulatory environment that promote their safe and appropriate use,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

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

WA pharmacists to treat 17 common conditions under enhanced access pilot

7 August 2025

 

Greater access to care through Western Australia’s community pharmacists is one step closer, with Minister Meredith Hammat MLA announcing 17 common acute and chronic conditions that will soon be treatable by qualified pharmacists.

 

The Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot will launch in late 2026, enabling patients to receive treatment for common health conditions directly from their local pharmacist. Conditions covered include:

• Asthma
• Smoking cessation
• Shingles
• Impetigo
• Mild psoriasis
• Mild to moderate acne
• Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis
• Mild, acute musculoskeletal pain
• Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis
• Acute otitis externa
• Acute otitis media
• Acute nausea and vomiting
• Acute minor wound management
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux and Gastro-oesophagael reflux disease
• Hormonal contraception
• Weight loss and management of obesity
• Oral health risk assessment and fluoride application

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) West Australian President Kristian Ray MPS welcomed the announcement, saying it reflects the growing role of pharmacists in providing timely, accessible care for more health concerns.

 

“Empowering pharmacists to practice to our full scope means giving our community access to timely care, when and where they need it,” Mr Ray said.

 

“Today’s announcement demonstrates just how much more pharmacists can do to support patients, building on the overwhelmingly positive evidence from pilots in Queensland and internationally.

 

“As pharmacists we are often the first point of contact for health advice, and this expanded scope means we can now do more for patients presenting with everyday conditions. By treating common illnesses and supporting chronic disease management, pharmacists are helping take pressure off a stretched health system,”

 

Queensland’s Community Pharmacy Pilot has successfully operated since April 2024, providing more than 1700 safe, accessible services to Queenslanders and is now a permanent feature of Queensland’s health system.

 

“Evidence from community pharmacy pilots across Australia is clear – pharmacist-led care has improved access, reduced wait times, and maintained strong patient safety outcomes. WA pharmacists are ready to deliver the same high-quality care to our communities.

 

“As the peak national body for pharmacists PSA is working closely with the WA Government to ensure pharmacists are equipped with the support they need to deliver these services safely and effectively,” Mr Ray concluded.

 

 

 

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

PSA25 closes on a high as PSA celebrates 20,000 members and platforms Australia’s leading pharmacists

3 August 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) has wrapped up its biggest national conference yet, with three days of inspiring presentations, innovation, and connection across the pharmacy profession.

 

This year’s conference welcomed over 1200 attendees, with pharmacists from all areas of practice and corners of the country coming together to further their knowledge and practice with Australia’s leading pharmacy voices.

 

Capping off the weekend, PSA and the Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association (APSA) presented the Outstanding Poster Presentation to Jade Swarbrick for her presentation ADHD in GP setting, and the Outstanding Oral Presentation to Kym Ramsey for his presentation Utilising rural community pharmacists to screen for chronic diseases.

 

PSA and PDL once again joined forces to present the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award, as voted by PSA25 delegates, was awarded to Madeline Scarlett in recognition of her positivity and helpfulness across the weekend.

 

The event also marked a significant milestone in PSA’s history as a national organisation – reaching 20,000 members for the first time.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the milestone reflects the growing confidence pharmacists have in PSA as their professional home.

 

“Every year I leave this conference feeling a renewed sense of belonging and passion for this profession,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Thank you to everyone who made PSA25 a success – our delegates, volunteers, branch committees, staff, speakers and partners – I’m truly inspired by every single one of you.

 

“Whether you’re a student, early career pharmacist, or seasoned practitioner, PSA is proud to be your professional home, giving you the tools and the support you need to build the pharmacy career you want.”
Associate Professor Sim also thanked PSA25 sponsors and partners for their continued support of the event and the profession.

 

“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors and partners, whose support makes PSA25 possible. Their commitment helps us deliver an engaging, meaningful, and forward-looking conference every year.”

 

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

Curtin University student wins 2025 Pharmacy Student of the Year

2 August 2025

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates Maxime Watts, Curtin University for taking out the 2025 PSA Viatris Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY) award at the PSA’s National Conference PSA25.

 

The annual PSOTY competition recognises and celebrates outstanding pharmacy students,  showcasing their counselling skills to the pharmacy profession.

 

Ms Watts also took out the People’s Choice award, as voted by PSA25 delegates.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated Ms Watts on her achievement and commended the talent of all finalists.

 

“Congratulations to Maxime for successfully taking out the Pharmacy Student of the Year award,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“It’s always a highlight of the PSA conference to see the next generation of pharmacists showcasing their skills. These are our future pharmacists, our future leaders, and I must say I’m very confident our profession is in good hands.

 

“Each of the students who participated in the PSOTY competition has demonstrated impressive professionalism, skill, and dedication. On behalf of PSA, I wish them all the best in what I’m sure will be successful and rewarding careers as pharmacists.”

 

PSA thanks Viatris for their continued support of the Pharmacy Student of the Year competition.  

 

 

 

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

2025 PSA Locumate Locum Pharmacist of the Year

2 August 2025

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today named Victorian pharmacist Peter Tran MPS as the 2025 PSA Locumate.ai Locum Pharmacist of the Year, awarded at PSA25’s plenary this morning (Saturday 2 August).

 

Mr Tran has locummed across most states and territories, including in rural and remote areas. He has taken on numerous locum assignments in regional towns, where his empathetic approach and ability to build strong patient relationships have led to improved health outcomes. His work in Alice Springs, at a SAS-funded pharmacy focused on Aboriginal health, reflects his dedication to culturally sensitive care and community education. Wherever he practises, he seamlessly integrates into pharmacy teams, contributes to system improvements, and consistently delivers high-quality care.

 

His vigilance and persistence was instrumental in uncovering a serious case of prescription fraud with more than 60 forged prescriptions found.

 

Peter Tran exemplifies the integrity, compassion and proactivity that make a great locum. He is a deserving recipient of this Locum Pharmacist of the Year Award.

 

Presenting the award, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated Mr Tran.

 

“I’m proud to award Peter Tran with the PSA Locumate Locum Pharmacist of the Year Award, acknowledging the vital work of locum pharmacists around the country.

 

“Anyone who has practised in a pharmacy, especially in a rural or regional area, knows just how important locum pharmacists are in keeping healthcare accessible to our communities. There are unique challenges for locum pharmacists, but those like Peter take it all in their stride.

 

“Thank you to Peter and all locum pharmacists around Australia for all that you do to keep our pharmacies open and running every day,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

Locumate.ai. Co-Founder and Director Kavita Nadan also congratulated Mr Tran.

 

“Peter Tran embodies everything we stand for at Locumate – professionalism adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. His dedication to supporting pharmacies across Australia, often at short notice and in challenging settings, is nothing short of inspiring.

 

“Peter’s impact extends beyond just filling a shift. He brings stability, excellence, and heart into every pharmacy he steps into. We’re incredibly proud to see him recognised as PSA’s Locum of the Year 2025,” Ms Nadan concluded.

 

 

 

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

2025 PSA MIMS Intern Pharmacist of the Year

2 August 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today named Perth-based pharmacist Rachel Lawson as the 2025 PSA MIMS Intern Pharmacist of the Year, awarded at PSA25’s opening plenary this morning (Saturday 2 August).

 

Rachel Lawson began her journey in pharmacy while studying for a Bachelor of Health Promotion and working part-time at Pharmacy 777 Applecross in Perth, Western Australia where she quickly developed a passion for pharmacy. Six years later, she completed her intern year at the same pharmacy.

 

During her intern year, Rachel refined her dispensing skills and focused on health promotion and service provision. She conducted wound care consultations and sleep apnoea trials, provided supervised vaccinations, and coordinated two bone health clinics and a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease screening program. She has also initiated HIV self-test consultations and collaborated with a local researcher to deliver a presentation on sleep health to over 150 attendees.

 

Over her six years in community pharmacy, Rachel has cultivated a keen interest in harm reduction which she hopes to build on into the future as she advocates for patient-centred care that acknowledges and addresses risky behaviours while striving to minimise harm.

 

Presenting the award, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated Ms Lawson on the impressive start to her pharmacy career.

 

“Intern and early career pharmacists like Rachel remind us that the future of our profession is in exceptionally capable hands,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“It’s inspiring to see pharmacists like Rachel embracing the challenges and opportunities of community pharmacy, particularly through her work in health promotion, harm reduction, and adapting to new models of service delivery.

 

“Congratulations Rachel, all of us at PSA look forward to continuing to support you throughout your pharmacy career, wherever it may lead.”

 

MIMS CEO Robert Best also congratulated Ms Lawson, reaffirming MIMS commitment to supporting the next generation of pharmacists.

 

“At MIMS, we are proud to continue our legacy as being the most trusted provider of drug and medicines information across the Australian healthcare industry,” Mr Best said.

 

“The Pharmacy profession has, and continues to be, one of the most important and pivotal parts of our medicines ecosystem when dealing with consumers and patients, and in particular, the interns play an important role with respects to advising, educating and dispensing medicines across Australia. Ultimately, they are the future of the Pharmacy profession.”

 

“For more than 6 decades, MIMS has been the trusted provider of drug and medicines information across the healthcare industry and we are committed to continue to provide the Pharmacy profession with the most of up-to-date drug and medicines information available at the point of care,” Mr Best concluded.

 

 

 

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

Record number of pharmacists named PSA Fellows

1 August 2025

 

A record 38 pharmacists have been inducted as Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) at tonight’s annual Fellows Dinner, recognising leadership, advocacy, and service to the profession over an extended period.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated the 2025 cohort, saying: “This year’s Fellows showcase the passion, leadership and drive for excellence that define our profession.”

 

“Being awarded Fellowship is a recognition of the sustained and outstanding contributions many pharmacists make to PSA and the broader pharmacy profession.

 

“On behalf of PSA, I extend my congratulations to each of these remarkable pharmacists, and thank them for their enduring service and dedication to driving our profession forward.”

 

In addition to 38 Fellows, PSA has also recognised Rhonda White AO and Terry White AO as PSA Life Fellows.

 

“In particular I’d like to acknowledge and congratulate Rhonda and Terry White, two stalwarts of Australian pharmacy who we are proud to recognise as Life Fellows of the PSA.

 

“Together, Terry and Rhonda have changed the course of Australian pharmacy, championing accessible, patient-centred care and inspiring generations of pharmacists through their leadership.

 

“PSA is proud to honour their lifelong dedication to community pharmacy.”

 

Among the 2025 cohort are a number of PSA staff who have had a significant impact on the pharmacy profession.

 

“The PSA team are the backbone of our organisation, working unbelievably hard to support pharmacists across the country. For these members of our team, who are also pharmacists themselves, the drive to make an impact on their profession is particularly strong.

 

“Congratulations to Caroyln, Claire, Chris, Quyen, Peter, Jarrod, Kay, Helen and Ella, these recognitions are very well deserved,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

 

Full list of PSA Fellows inducted in 2025:

• Carolyn Allen FPS, Australian Capital Territory
• Claire Antrobus FPS, Queensland
• Anna Barwick FPS, New South Wales
• Associate Professor Juanita Breen FPS, Tasmania
• Chris Campbell FPS, Queensland
• Cathy Caird FPS, South Australia
• Quyen Du FPS, South Australia
• Peter Guthrey FPS, Victoria
• Gauri Godbole FPS, New South Wales
• Associate Professor Lisa Kalisch Ellett FPS, South Australia
• Jarrod McMaugh FPS, Victoria
• Louise McLean FPS, Australian Capital Territory
• Professor Ross McKinnon FPS, South Australia
• Angela Nasone FPS, South Australia
• David North OAM FPS, New South Wales
• Helene O’Byrne FPS, Tasmania
• Neil Petrie FPS, Victoria
• Lachlan Rose FPS, New South Wales
• Simone Rossi FPS, South Australia
• Curtis Ruhnau FPS, New South Wales
• Professor Bandana Saini FPS, New South Wales
• Travis Schiller FPS, South Australia
• Brett Simmonds FPS, Queensland
• Dr Kay Sorimachi FPS, Australian Capital Territory
• Helen Stone FPS, South Australia
• Associate Professor Janet Sluggett FPS, South Australia
• Paul Tait FPS, South Australia
• Peter Tenni FPS, Tasmania
• Angus Thompson FPS, Tasmania
• Richard Thorpe FPS, South Australia
• Dr Ella van Tienen FPS, Tasmania
• Heather Volk FPS, Northern Territory
• Michael Wakim FPS, South Australia
• Associate Professor Michael Ward FPS, South Australia
• Lisa Wark FPS, Northern Territory
• Gary West FPS, Queensland
• Christopher Wills FPS, New South Wales
• Georgina Woods FPS, New South Wales

 

 

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

Innovating pharmacists win big in PSA25 Shark Tank

1 August 2025

 

Two pharmacist-led innovations have recieved investment from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Foundation’s Pharmacy Shark Tank as part of PSA25 in Sydney.

 

The winning pitches were selected by a panel of expert Sharks, including national business heavyweights Cathie Reid AM, Rhonda White AO and Paul Naismith, joined by PSA Chief Financial Officer Nick Foster CA.

 

Queensland-based brothers Alfred and Viknesh Bramasta recieved a $3000 investment for PillFlow, a web-based software platform tailored for community pharmacies, designed to optimise the management of dose administration aid systems, reducing errors, streamlining workflows, and ensuring patients receive accurate packs.

 

Adam Choker recieved a $5000 investment for EasySplit, a semi-automated tablet-cutting device aimed at improving the safety, speed, and affordability of medication preparation processes, particularly for the packing of dose administration aids.

 

Choker also took out the People’s Choice Award, decided by audience vote, bringing his total investment to $7000.

 

Pharmacy Shark Tank is proudly sponsored by the PSA Foundation, which supports innovative initiatives that advance the pharmacy profession and improve the health of Australians.

 

PSA National President and Foundation Chair Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated the winners and all participants for their bold thinking and passion for the future of pharmacy.

 

“The Pharmacy Shark Tank showcases the energy, creativity, and commitment of the next generation of pharmacy leaders,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“It’s inspiring to see pharmacists from diverse areas of practice, early-career pharmacists and students putting forward solutions that challenge the status quo and aim to deliver better health outcomes for patients. These are the ideas that will shape the future of our profession.

 

“The PSA Foundation is proud to support this initiative, backing pharmacists who are stepping up to lead change through innovation and collaboration.”

 

PSA congratulates all finalists for their outstanding contributions and thanks the PSA Foundation and Shark Tank panellists for making this exciting event possible.

 

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

PSA names nation’s leading pharmacists

 

 

1 August 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2023 Excellence Awards. Alongside award sponsor Symbion, PSA presented the awards at its National conference, PSA25, in Sydney.

 

Northern Territory pharmacist Jaimee Anderson MPS was awarded the PSA Symbion Pharmacist of the Year.

 

Victorian pharmacist Dr Kate Wang MPS was awarded the PSA Symbion Early Career Pharmacist of the Year.

 

West Australian pharmacist Emeritus Professor Jeff Hughes FPS was awarded the PSA Symbion Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS congratulated the awardees on their recognition, thanking them for their service to both the profession and their communities.

 

“The PSA Excellence Awards acknowledge the pharmacists who go above and beyond, those who are involved in innovative practice, those who are striving to raise practice standards, and those whose professionalism provides a model of practice which others strive to emulate,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“PSA is proud to name Jaimee Anderson as the 2025 Pharmacist of the Year, recognising her outstanding contributions to her community in the Northern Territory, particularly in driving culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and expanding the availability of immunisations in the Territory by training more than 40 pharmacist vaccinators in just 12 months.

 

“I’m pleased to award the 2025 Early Career Pharmacist of the Year to Dr Kate Wang, who continues to lead the way as a pharmacist, academic and researcher, championing the role of our profession particularly in aged care as Australia’s population ages.

 

“The wide-reaching contributions of Emeritus Professor Jeff Hughes is recognised with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement award. Having shaped many areas of practice spanning across clinical hospital practice, academia, community pharmacy, professional leadership and digital health innovation, Professor Hughes is a most deserving recipient of this award.

 

“On behalf of PSA and the pharmacy profession, congratulations to Jaimee, Kate, and Jeff on your many achievements. Thank you for your service and commitment to the health of all Australians,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

Symbion CEO Brett Barons also congratulated the award winners.

 

“Symbion is honoured to support the PSA Excellence Awards and congratulates this year’s award recipients whose passion and dedication has made a significant impact and contribution in pharmacy practice.

 

“We also acknowledge this year’s finalists and extend our deep appreciation to all pharmacists for their tireless and quiet dedication to strengthening the wellbeing of communities across Australia.”

 

 

PSA thanks Symbion for their continued support of the national PSA Excellence Awards.
Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

 

West Australian pharmacist’s lifetime of service honoured on national stage

 

1 August 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today recognised Perth pharmacist Emeritus Professor Jeff David Hughes FPS with the 2025 PSA Symbion Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his extraordinary contributions to pharmacy over more than four decades.

 

Widely regarded a pioneer in clinical pharmacy, Professor Hughes led Clinical Pharmacy Services at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for a decade, extending his national leadership as PSA National Vice-President (2015-2016) and Director, and through influential service positions including Chair of SHPA’s Clinical Pharmacy Specialty Practice group and Convenor of the WA Antibiotic Guidelines Review Committee.

 

Joining Curtin University in 1997, Professor Hughes built a distinguished academic career, culminating in his appointment as Head of the School of Pharmacy in 2009. Under his leadership, the School’s research output tripled, higher degree enrolments grew by 60%, and its global ranking rose from below to above global standard. He co-founded the Annual Australasian Clinical Pharmacy Education Seminars and secured over $14 million in research funding, with 176 refereed publications and collaborations across Australia, the UK, and Malaysia.

 

A visionary in digital health, Professor Hughes co-developed pain assessment tool PainChek, which has delivered over 7 million assessments across four countries. His ongoing projects include innovations in cardiovascular diagnostics and cancer risk research.

 

Professor Hughes’s career is defined by sustained excellence, innovation, and mentorship. His legacy continues to shape the future of pharmacy in Australia and beyond.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim praised Professor Hughes’s enduring impact on the profession.

 

“Emeritus Professor Jeff Hughes has dedicated his life to pushing our profession forward, trailblazing across areas of pharmacy practice. His leadership, innovation, and generous mentorship have shaped generations of pharmacists and advanced the profession in ways few others have.

 

“Jeff’s work in clinical pharmacy, education, and digital health continues to inspire many, with his career a testament to the power of curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to patient care that defines our profession.

 

“On behalf of PSA and the pharmacy community, I extend our congratulations to Jeff. We are honoured to celebrate his legacy and look forward to supporting his continued contributions to pharmacy,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

PSA thanks Symbion for their continued support of the national PSA Excellence Awards.

 

 

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