PSA calls for a suite of new measures to ensure fairer and safer access to medicines

5 August 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) latest medicine safety report highlights the medicine safety challenges faced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Australians.  

 

The eighth report in PSA’s Medicine Safety series, Medicine Safety: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Community Care, was developed with support from Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL) and explores how language barriers, cultural differences, health literacy challenges, and difficulties navigating the healthcare system can place CALD Australians at heightened risk of medicines-related harm.  

 

Launched at PSA26, the Medicine Safety report led to an insightful panel session comprising PSA NSW/ACT State Manager Divya Lal, bilingual health worker Evelyn Pe, PDL Local Advisory Committee NSW/ACT Chair Curtis Ruhnau FPS, and refugee health general practitioner Dr Deborah Hillman-White. 

 

Hosted by Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, the panellists reflected on their real-world experiences and examples from the report to discuss the challenges patients face, the practical steps pharmacists can take to improve care, and to emphasise the severity of medication misunderstandings for patients.  

 

Speaking on the panel, Ms Lal said pharmacists are often the most consistent point of contact for patients navigating Australia’s healthcare system:  

 

“We’re accessible. We’re the central point. Whether they go to a GP, a specialist, an optometrist, or a physio, at the end of the day they’re going to come to the pharmacy regardless,” said Ms Lal. 

 

Additionally, Dr Hillman-White called for pharmacists to be more actively involved in identifying patients who may benefit from medication reviews before medicine-related problems escalate.  

 

“You’ve got Abdul here on 18 different medicines. Is this needed? How about we do an HMR?” 

 

Introducing the report at PSA26, PDL Director for Tasmania, Joe O’Malley, said the report and panel discussion highlight the important role pharmacists play in improving equitable access to safe and effective care. 

 

“Medicines safety is fundamental to reducing preventable harm and improving patient outcomes,” O’Malley said. 

 

“This report highlights the challenges that culturally and linguistically diverse communities can face when navigating medication and healthcare services.  

 

“PDL is proud to support PSA’s Medicine Safety series, which provides valuable insights and practical guidance to help pharmacists deliver safer, more effective care for all Australians.”  

 

To view the PSA’s recommendations and read the Medicine Safety Report, click here.

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

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

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

PSA welcomes new Victorian Minister for Health

4 August 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Hon. Ingrid Stitt MLC on her appointment as the new Victorian Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services, following today’s ministerial reshuffle announced by the Victorian Premier, the Hon. Ben Carroll MP.

 

PSA Victorian President, Atinuke Abraham FPS, congratulated Minister Stitt on her appointment, saying PSA looks forward to working collaboratively with the Minister to strengthen access to timely, high-quality healthcare for Victorian patients and communities.

 

“On behalf of , I congratulate Minister Stitt on her appointment and look forward to working closely with her as we strive to improve health outcomes for Victorians,” Ms Abraham said.

 

“Minister Stitt steered the Labor Government through the Mental Health Royal Commission, delivering major reforms in access to mental health services, suicide prevention, workforce development, and improving the services available to women and children.

 

“Recognising Minister Stitt’s previous successes, we see a significant opportunity to further integrate pharmacists across the health system, particularly as we see an expanding scope of practice.”

 

Ms Abraham also acknowledged and thanked the outgoing Minister for Health, Ambulance Services, and Water, the Hon. Harriet Shing MP, for her engagement with the pharmacy profession during her time as Minister.

 

“I would like to sincerely thank Minister Shing for her support of pharmacists and her willingness to engage with the profession on important healthcare issues,” Mr Abraham said.

 

“We wish Minister Shing every success in her future responsibilities and thank her for her service to Victoria’s health system.”

 

PSA looks forward to engaging with Minister Stitt on key priorities for the profession, including supporting pharmacists to work to their full scope of practice, strengthening the pharmacy workforce, and improving equitable access to health care across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria.

 

 

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 health care, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PDL Student Volunteer of the Year Award

2 August 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the recipient of the PDL Student Volunteer of the Year Award, Alannah Ajami, as voted by PSA26 delegates.  

 

Alannah Ajami is a final year pharmacy student at the University of Technology Sydney.  

 

Presenting the award, PDL Professional Officer, Naomi Lim said:  

 

“PDL is delighted to sponsor the Student Volunteer of the Year Award and recognise the exceptional contribution student volunteers make to the pharmacy profession.  

 

“We warmly congratulate Alannah on receiving this year’s award and wish to thank her and all the student volunteers for their dedication and enthusiasm in supporting PSA26.” 

 

PSA26 conference manager, Ned Worboys, congratulated Alannah and all of the PDL student volunteers saying: 

 

“Conferences like PSA26 run on the energy of our volunteers, and this year, we’ve had a truly great group.  

 

“Alannah really epitomised this year’s theme, the Home of Pharmacists. It was wonderful to see Alannah’s commitment to PSA26 as she interacted with delegates, fostering a strong sense of belonging. Congratulations, Alannah!”  

 

 

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. 

PSA launches new partnership

2 August 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and Australian Prescriber have announced a new partnership that will provide access for pharmacists across Australia to a broader range of trusted, independent, and accredited continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities. 

 

The collaboration brings together PSA’s commitment to supporting pharmacists throughout their professional careers with Australian Prescriber’s respected peer-reviewed clinical content that will assist pharmacists to stay current, confident and practice-ready. 

 

Through the partnership, pharmacists will be able to earn CPD points for selected Australian Prescriber articles. Accredited articles will be clearly identified with a PSA accredited CPD logo, making it simple for pharmacists to find, complete and track eligible learning activities.  

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting pharmacists with high-quality, evidence-based education throughout their careers. 

 

“PSA is proud to partner with Australian Prescriber, an independent peer-reviewed journal providing critical commentary on drugs and therapeutics for health professionals,” Professor Naunton announced.  

 

“This partnership is another example of how PSA is working to support pharmacists across all practice settings, at every career stage, ensuring they have access to trusted learning that is practical, accessible and relevant to everyday practice.” 

 

Therapeutic Guidelines Limited CEO, Dr Leigh-Anne Claase, spoke of the partnership saying:  

 

“We’re delighted to be working with PSA to provide easier access to Australian Prescriber’s trusted independent content and CPD-accredited articles. Therapeutic Guidelines has long relied on the knowledge and skill of Pharmacists to develop its guidelines, and, through this new partnership with the PSA, we look forward to supporting the profession into the future.” 

 

The partnership underscores both organisations’ shared commitment to advancing professional excellence and ensuring Australia’s pharmacists have access to the evidence-based resources they need to meet the evolving healthcare needs of patients.  

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

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

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

 

PSA Harm Reduction Champion unveiled at PSA26

 

 

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.

Two new vaccination ambassadors announced at PSA26

1 August 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has announced Julianna Neill MPS and Jemma Keay MPS as its newest PSA Vaccination Ambassadors, recognising their leadership and commitment to advancing pharmacist-led immunisation services across Australia. 

 

Based on the Sunshine Coast, Ms Neill has worked in community pharmacy and aged care and was among Australia’s first pharmacist vaccinators.  

 

Ms Keay is a hospital pharmacist at Perth Children’s Hospital and has played a key role in expanding immunisation services within acute and outpatient paediatric care. 

 

The appointment of Ms Neill and Ms Keay follows the outstanding contribution of inaugural PSA Vaccination Ambassador Anna Theophilos MPS, who announced the handover of the ambassador role at PSA26 after a year championing pharmacist-led vaccination and immunisation advocacy nationwide. 

 

Reflecting on her time as PSA’s first Vaccination Ambassador, Ms Theophilos said the role had been driven by a belief in the untapped potential of pharmacists to improve vaccination access across Australia. 

 

“When I accepted the role as PSA’s inaugural Vaccination Ambassador, I knew pharmacists were one of the most underutilised parts of Australia’s healthcare infrastructure. We have the workforce, we have the trust, we have the reach, and Australians walk through pharmacy doors every day,” Ms Theophilos said. 

 

“My mission was to talk to anyone and everyone about how pharmacy is the cornerstone of vaccination access in Australia, but just as importantly, to ignite belief within our own profession and build confidence in the impact pharmacists can have. 

 

“Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of seeing our profession through many different lenses, and I am more convinced today than ever of the incredible capability and capacity of pharmacists to improve the health of Australians.” 

 

Ms Theophilos said she was delighted to hand the ambassador role to two passionate leaders in the profession. 

 

“This year, we are appointing two Vaccination Ambassadors, and I couldn’t be more excited to introduce Jemma and Julianna. They are passionate advocates and powerful representatives of our profession,” she said. 

 

“I have every confidence they will continue to elevate the conversations around vaccination, champion the role of pharmacists, and inspire even more progress in the year ahead.” 

 

The PSA extends its gratitude to Anna for her work in championing immunisation over the past 12 months and welcomes Julianna and Jemma as the newest PSA Vaccination Ambassadors.  

 

The PSA Vaccination Ambassador Program is supported by GSK, Pfizer and Sanofi.  

 

 

 

 

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen 

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

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

PSA launches latest medicine safety report calling for more support for multicultural communities

1 August 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today launched the eighth edition of its Medicine Safety series, Medicine Safety: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Community Care, calling for a suite of new measures to ensure fairer and safer access to medicines.  

 

Launching the report, PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said: 

 

“Medicine safety is our highest priority, and no Australian should experience medicines-related harm because of the language they speak, the culture they hold or their ability to access and navigate healthcare services safely,” said Prof Mark Naunton MPS, PSA National President.   

 

“As a pharmacist, I have seen firsthand how easily misunderstandings can occur when patients are unable to access medicines information in a language they understand.  

 

“What might seem like a minor communication barrier can affect how medicines are taken, how side effects are recognised and ultimately whether treatment is safe and effective.”  

 

The PSA is calling for five key measures to be adopted:  

• A national policy to support routine use of professional interpreters (and other culturally appropriate communication tools)  

• Targeted strategies to increase Home Medicines Reviews including culturally tailored referral pathways and community engagement  

• An expansion of national health data to include key cultural indicators such as English proficiency and languages spoken at home  

• Investment in multilingual medicine information on topics such as dosing instructions  

• Integrate cultural and medicine safety into pharmacist education and practice.  

 

“Navigating our complex health system is challenging and it is significantly more difficult for Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who, as a result, face a higher risk of medicine-related harm,” said Prof Naunton.  

 

“We are confident that adopting these sensible measures at the policy-making table will make an immediate difference to the frontline care pharmacists provide across the nation.” 

 

The Medicine Safety: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Community Care report can be viewed here. 

 

PSA would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by Pharmaceutical Defence Limited (PDL) for PSA’s Medicine Safety series. PDL membership facilitates professional indemnity insurance and risk management advice for most of the Australian pharmacy profession. In these roles, PDL recognises the need to support the profession and set the standards for medicine safety through the development of the Medicine Safety series. PDL encourages all pharmacists to utilise the Medicine Safety resources in their practice and their representation of the profession to the public.

 

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 health care, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system. 

PSA26: PSA awards 2026 cohort of Fellows and Life Fellows

31 July 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has tonight recognised a distinguished cohort of pharmacists as PSA Fellows and Life Fellows at this evening’s annual Fellows Dinner.

 

PSA Fellowship is one of the highest honours for PSA members. Members may be nominated for elevation to Fellowship after serving PSA for an extended period and who have, by working in the pharmacy profession:  

• achieved a significant advancement in the practice of pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences; or 

• provided an outstanding contribution to the pharmacy profession through leadership; or  

• significantly contributed to raising professional standards and providing models for other pharmacists. 

 

Speaking at the dinner, PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, acknowledged the recipient’s contributions and ongoing commitments to PSA and the broader pharmacy profession.

 

“Being recognised as a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society reflects sustained and outstanding contributions to not only the profession, but the communities you serve,” Professor Naunton said.

 

“To our newly elevated Fellows and Life Fellows, our profession is better for your exceptional leadership and dedication to shaping the future of pharmacy.

 

“I’d like to congratulate tonight’s newly elevated Fellows on this well-deserved recognition and thank them all for their longstanding commitments to PSA, the profession, and their patients.”

 

Please join us in acknowledging the following pharmacists elevated to Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia for 2026:  

• Kelly ABBOTT (Victoria)  

• Jaimee ANDERSON (Northern Territory)   

• Robert BEAUMONT (Tasmania)  

• Naomi BURGESS (South Australia)  

• Dr Jack COLLINS (New South Wales)  

• Sharon DOOLAN (New South Wales)  

• Amanda FAIRJONES (New South Wales) 

• Amanda GAILBRAITH (Australian Capital Territory)   

• Bente HART (New South Wales)  

• Tara HEHIR (New South Wales)  

• Dr Lisa KOULADJIAN-O’DONNELL (New South Wales)  

• Susan LEE (Tasmania)  

• Timothy LOGAN (Queensland)  

• Nicholas LOGAN OAM (New South Wales)  

• Shane MACDONALD (Queensland)  

• Andrew MATTHEWS (Australian Capital Territory)  

• Tiernan MCDONOUGH (South Australia)  

• Jacqueline MEYER (Queensland)  

• Catherine RICE (Australian Capital Territory)  

• Margaret RUHNAU (New South Wales)  

• Professor Paul SHAW (Queensland)  

• Dr Danielle STOWASSER (Queensland)   

• William (Bill) WALLACE (Australian Capital Territory)  

• Associate Professor Ramesh WALPOLA (New South Wales)  

• Dr Kate WANG (Victoria)   

 

The following fellows have been elevated to Life Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia for 2026: 

• Edward CROOK (Australian Capital Territory) 

• Harvey CUTHILL OAM (Tasmania) 

 

 

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. 

Paul Tait named PSA Symbion Pharmacist of the Year

31 July 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has awarded Paul Tait FPS the 2026 PSA Symbion Pharmacist of the Year Award for his outstanding contributions to pharmacy practice research and the advancement of the profession.  

 

The PSA Symbion Pharmacist of the Year Award is presented to a pharmacist who has demonstrated exceptional achievements and leadership in advancing pharmacy practice and improving the health outcomes of Australians.  

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, congratulated Mr Tait on receiving the award. 

 

“Paul has made a significant contribution to Australian pharmacy through his commitment to research, innovation, and advancing professional practice,” Professor Naunton said. 

 

“His work has helped strengthen the evidence base underpinning pharmacy practice and has contributed to improving the quality and safety of healthcare delivery. 

 

“I congratulate Paul on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his ongoing commitment to advancing the profession.”  

 

 

 

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. 

Carlene Smith awarded PSA Lifetime Achievement Award

31 July 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has awarded Carlene Smith AM MPS the 2026 PSA Symbion Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her outstanding and enduring contribution to the pharmacy profession.  

 

The PSA Symbion Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest individual honour bestowed by PSA, recognising a pharmacist whose career has delivered a lasting impact on the profession and the health of Australians.  

 

Ms Smith, a New South Wales pharmacist and longstanding leader within the profession, was recognised for her significant contribution to advancing pharmacy practice and community service throughout her distinguished career. 

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, congratulated Ms Smith on receiving the award and commended her for her lifelong commitment to the pharmacy profession.  

 

“Carlene’s contribution to pharmacy spans decades of leadership, advocacy, and service to the profession,” Professor Naunton said.  

 

“She has dedicated her career to advancing pharmacy practice and supporting better health outcomes for Australians, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to benefit both patients and pharmacists.  

 

“On behalf of PSA and the profession, I congratulate Carlene on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for her extraordinary contribution to Australian pharmacy.”  

 

 

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.