‘No longer an outlier’ Tasmanian pharmacists welcome interstate prescription rule change

3 December 2025

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the passage of the Poisons Amendment (Interstate Prescriptions) Bill through the Tasmanian Legislative Council earlier today. The bill means Tasmania will no longer be an outlier in outlawing the dispensing of interstate prescriptions for Controlled Drugs (Schedule 8 medicines).

Under the changes, from early next year, Tasmanian pharmacists will be able to dispense a prescription for a Controlled Drug that has been issued interstate, as long as the prescription complies with the requirements of Tasmanian regulations.

This will include the psychostimulant medications commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), medicinal cannabis, opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines.

The Bill was welcomed by Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Tasmania President Joanne Gross MPS:

“We thank Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget Archer for progressing this small but significant regulatory change. It will reduce the stress – and in many cases panic – for Tasmanians and interstate travellers who require treatment with Controlled Drugs for conditions such as ADHD, chronic pain or for palliative care.

“This change is overdue. Real-time prescription monitoring and electronic prescribing initiatives have dramatically improved patient safety when prescribing and dispensing Controlled Drugs in recent years.

“Tasmania is a popular holiday destination with many interstate travellers unexpectedly finding themselves unable to have their prescriptions filled. These reforms will enable local pharmacists to provide continuity of medicine access for these travellers.”

“PSA has a long history of advocating for harmonisation of regulations and legislation across the country. We’re glad to see Tasmania address this long-standing barrier to patients accessing their essential medicines.”

“PSA is committed to supporting members through this change when it takes effect early next year.”

Victorian pharmacists can now enrol in PSA’s Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program

3 December 2025 

Victorian pharmacists are being encouraged to enrol in PSA’s Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program, which is now accepting enrolments. This call for enrolments follows the Victorian Government’s announcement last Thursday, 27 November, that APC-accredited pharmacist prescribing courses, including PSA’s program, are now recognised for pharmacists in Victoria. 

The PSA’s Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program develops pharmacists’ skills and expertise through specialised prescribing and clinical practice training. Delivered online with flexible enrolment, PSA’s prescribing course provides pharmacists with unmatched flexibility to complete the program at their own pace.  

Victorian pharmacists who complete the training will be ready to implement new prescribing protocols as they are released, following direction from the Victorian Department of Health.

Pharmacists who have already completed the PSA’s prescribing course, in other jurisdictions, will similarly be able to prescribe under Victorian-specific protocols as they are released. 

The Victorian Government’s investment in expanded pharmacist prescribing is a significant step toward improving patients’ access to timely, expert care across the state. Under Chemist Care Now, trained pharmacists will be authorised to manage selected health conditions using structured prescribing protocols, reducing pressure on the health system, and enhancing patient convenience. 

PSA Victorian President Atinuke Abraham said: 

“This is a landmark moment for Victorian pharmacists and their clients. PSA’s prescribing course ensures pharmacists are prepared to deliver safe, evidence-based care as part of a collaborative health system.  

“One of the great features of our prescribing training program is its flexibility. You can enrol and get started at a time which suits you, work through the content in a timeframe which works for you, and ultimately determine the right time for you to undertake your final assessment. 

“It’s an exciting time to be a pharmacist. We encourage all Victorian pharmacists to enrol now and be ready to practise to their full scope.” 

More information and to enrol in PSA’s Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training program can be accessed at this link.

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. 

NSW Annual Therapeutic Update program now live

27 November 2025 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched the sessions for the New South Wales Annual Therapeutic Update (NSW ATU), to be held at the Rydges in the Hunter Valley from 28 February to 1 March 2026, with registrations now open.    

The NSW ATU is in conjunction with PSA’s inaugural Aged Care Summit on Friday, 27 February 2026.   

As PSA’s flagship state-conference event, the NSW ATU will provide local pharmacists with up-to-date clinical and practice information, customised to the NSW regulations and context.   

Over three days of education, pharmacists will engage with content specifically designed for the NSW regulatory environment, including vaccination, cardiovascular care, prostate cancer, and asthma. NSW Health will also address pharmacists on the new NSW medicines and poisons regulations.  

PSA NSW President, Luke Kelly FPS, urged NSW pharmacists to take this opportunity to drive their practice forward as part of their continued professional development plan.    

“The PSA’s NSW ATU is a fantastic event where pharmacists across all practice settings can stay current with their clinical knowledge,” Mr Kelly said.    

“As the scope of practice for many pharmacists continues to expand, there has never been a more important time for pharmacists to come together to learn from trusted leaders, colleagues, and professionals to ensure we continue delivering quality of care to our patients and communities.  

“I’m confident that all pharmacists will develop new skills and expand their knowledge to practice to the top of their scope when they attend the NSW ATU, the Aged Care Summit, or the entire 3-day conference.” 

The program for the 2026 NSW ATU is available here. 

Registrations are now open, with early bird registration closing on 15 January 2026. 

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 launches inaugural Aged Care Pharmacist Summit

27 November 2025 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is proud to announce the Aged Care Pharmacist Summit 2026, to be held at Rydges Hunter Valley on Friday, 27 February 2026. The inaugural event will bring together Australia’s leaders in aged care to champion the role of pharmacists in protecting older Australians from medicine-related harm and maximising quality of life.  

The PSA Aged Care Pharmacist Summit is Australia’s only national conference dedicated exclusively to pharmacists working in aged care. This annual event brings together approximately 100 pharmacists, aged care providers, GPs, and key stakeholders across PHNs and governments.    

The Summit will showcase leading models of care, quality use of medicines initiatives, and policy developments. Attendees will receive insights from both local and international experts, demonstrating PSA’s commitment to ensuring pharmacists can work within their full scope of practice.  

The Aged Care Pharmacist Summit will run as a satellite event ahead of the New South Wales Annual Therapeutic Update (NSW ATU) from 28 February to 1 March 2026.   

The establishment of the Aged Care Pharmacist Summit is the next step in PSA’s support for aged care pharmacists, a role the peak body has pioneered through pilots, education, and advocacy over the past decade.   

Dementia Support Pharmacist, Dee-Anne Hull MPS, encouraged all pharmacists with an interest in aged care pharmacy to attend the Summit to deepen their knowledge and better support their patients and communities.    

“There has been a lot happening in the aged care sector, particularly over the last year. The Aged Care Summit will provide a great overview of the changing landscape of medicine usage in aged care and identify pharmacists’ integral role in the quality use of medicines,” she said.    

“By establishing the inaugural Aged Care Pharmacist Summit, PSA is demonstrating its commitment to driving best practice in aged care and tackling medicine safety issues. This is critical as, sadly, exposure to harm in aged care facilities remains far too high.  

“PSA is the home for aged care pharmacists. Attendees can feel confident that the Summit will equip them with the knowledge and skills to work with confidence in aged care. Pharmacists have become indispensable members of aged care interdisciplinary teams, supporting residents, their families, and other health professionals.  

“I look forward to engaging in transformative discussions that I can bring home to South Australia to share across my ACOP mentoring and Dementia Support Pharmacist roles to enhance the growth of myself, colleagues, and ACOPs in country South Australia.” 

To register for the 2026 Aged Care Summit, click 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 Annual Report FY 2024-25: Stronger, Bigger, Better

26 November 2025 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has released its 2024/25 Annual Report, establishing a year of growth and delivery, with PSA identified as the home of more pharmacists than ever before.  

At the Annual General Meeting held on Monday 24 November, the PSA reported a total surplus of $2.167 million during the Financial Year 2024-2025, with recognition of growth in several key areas including membership numbers, member support, training and education products and services, policy submissions, partnerships and general investment income.   

The PSA continued to grow as the professional home for all pharmacists. With substantial membership growth approaching 20,000 by the end of the FY24-25 reporting period, this 10% increase is the highest membership growth PSA has achieved as a national organisation since its inception. This membership growth has also continued in Q1 of FY26. 

During the preceding year, the PSA Board made strategic decisions to invest in the development of new education products, including full scope prescribing and clinical training, MMR and ACOP credentials, and new specialty communities. The PSA is committed to expanding the scope of practice and workforce capability, thereby improving health outcomes for Australians. 

The PSA’s other key achievements also included growth in the PSA Foundation’s asset value and activities, the launch of the Hospital Pharmacy Community of Specialty Interest, the inaugural PSA General Practice Pharmacist Symposium, and the launch of the MMR and ACOP credentials. 

The organisation advanced key priorities under Pharmacists in 2030, empowering pharmacists to practise to their full potential, and shaping emerging career pathways.  

Reflecting on the fiscal year, PSA National President and Board Chair, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, said she was incredibly proud of the progress made and encouraged all pharmacists to come together to transform the profession. 

“Our strength lies in the collective expertise, passion, and dedication of our members. PSA is owned and led by our members. PSA will continue to focus on delivering member value and supporting our workforce as our scope evolves,” Associate Professor Sim said. 

“The strategy of our PSA Board is clear – we are here to support the profession to deliver improved quality use of medicines and access to care for all Australians. This fundamental principle then informed all strategic decisions of the Board – from investing in the development of new education products and member services, to the PSA Foundation’s activities and policy positions, to the acquisition of the College. 

“I call on you, our members, to continue supporting the PSA and stay involved. Together, we can strengthen our influence, share our knowledge, and shape the future of our beloved profession.” 

PSA CEO Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris said this year was about delivery, turning vision into action through partnerships, evidence, and innovation while maintaining strong financial stewardship. 

“Our teams have been agile, delivering new products while continuing to serve PSA’s members and stakeholders,” Associate Professor Morris said. 

“Every one of our initiatives helps PSA to build a stronger profession and leads the development of the pharmacy workforce to support the swelling healthcare needs of Australia’s ageing population. 

“We have maintained strong fiscal control, helping us deliver one of the organisation’s strongest financial results in some years. This result is particularly remarkable considering membership fees have not increased since 2018.” 

The PSA Annual Report for 2024-25 is available for download 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. 

Remembering Professor Gabrielle Cooper OAM

21 November 2025 

Pharmacists from across the ACT gathered for the inaugural Professor Gabrielle Cooper OAM Address last night, a joint event hosted by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the University of Canberra – Pharmacy School, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia – ACT Branch, and Advanced Pharmacy Australia.

The event celebrated Professor Cooper’s extraordinary contributions to pharmacy and encouraged collaboration among pharmacists from all practice settings and organisations.

In a significant announcement during the event, the Hon. Bill Shorten announced that the University of Canberra will establish the “Professor Gabrielle Cooper OAM Integrated Clinical Practice Suite” in honour of Professor Cooper’s profound impact on pharmacy and her enduring legacy within the UC community.

The inaugural keynote address was delivered by Dr David Caldicott, who spoke about the journey towards implementing pill testing services in Australia – a topic close to Professor Cooper’s passion for harm minimisation and toxicology.

Alongside the keynote, reflections on Professor Cooper’s life and influence were shared by the Hon. Bill Shorten, Professor Mark Naunton, and Professor Cooper’s husband, Dr Bill Burke, on the profound impact Gabrielle had on pharmacists, her colleagues, and the Australian community.

Professor Cooper’s distinguished career spanned clinical pharmacy, academia, and professional leadership. She founded the Discipline of Pharmacy at the University of Canberra and served as PSA’s first ACT Branch President.

Professor Cooper’s extraordinary dedication transformed and inspired pharmacy practice across Australia, recognised with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2017 and PSA’s ACT Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021.

The PSA’s National Vice-President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said:

“PSA was proud to collaborate with leading organisations to honour the contributions Professor Cooper made to the profession.

“Gabrielle’s ambition was not about personal glory. Gabrielle was the mother who nurtured the future generation. People always came first. Her mentorship and influence continue through the generations of pharmacists and health professionals she educated and inspired.

“It is clear to see, by the abundance of people celebrating her life and legacy, that she was a positive role model to students, pharmacists, healthcare workers, and policymakers alike,” Professor Naunton said.

Last night’s Address was chaired by PSA’s ACT Branch Committee President, Erin Cooper.

“We were honoured to be joined by the Hon. Bill Shorten, Professor Mark Naunton, Dr Bill Burke and more of Gabrielle’s family, alongside Dr David Caldicott, to celebrate Prof Cooper’s extraordinary life and legacy,” she said.

The PSA extends thanks to those who attended to celebrate the life and legacy of Professor Gabrielle Cooper. 

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. 

Next milestone reached in the transition of PSA Accredited Continuing Professional Development

19 November 2025

Public consultation has closed for the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) Standards for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for pharmacists.

The end of this consultation process marks the next step in finalising the new CPD standards, which PSA will use to assess the quality and applicability of education for pharmacists before accreditation.

The development of these standards will enable a seamless transition to new criteria for assessing CPD activities, following the retirement of the Australian Pharmacy Council’s (APC) Accreditation Standards for Continuing Professional Development Activities on 31 December 2025.

PSA’s CPD Manager, Chloe Tobin, said feedback to the consultation showed a commitment from the profession for robust, high-quality training:

“There was strong support for the draft standards. Respondents valued the concise and clear structure, as well as the inclusion of guidance information. Stakeholders also expressed strong support for the standard’s focus on independence and practical applicability to pharmacy practice.

“I’m really thankful to the individuals and organisations who provided formal and informal feedback during the consultation.

“When a pharmacist selects PSA Accredited CPD activities, they can be confident the education they access is of high quality, upholds pharmacy practice standards, guidelines and ethics, and is free from commercial bias.”

Further details of the PSA’s Accredited CPD scheme will be available in January 2026, after publication of the PSA Standards for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for pharmacists in December.

CPD activities which have been accredited against the current APC CPD Accreditation Standards will remain accredited until their expiry date, or up until 31 December 2026, whichever is earlier.

Enquiries about the new standards and accreditation process can be directed to: psaeducation@psa.org.au 

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. 

40+ projects, 30+ partnerships: PSA’s projects make a bigger impact than ever before

6 November 2025

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) released its 2025 Strategic Projects Impact Report today, showcasing PSA’s leadership in advancing pharmacist practice and promoting medicines safety nationally. The report highlights how PSA drives the safe use of medicines forward, through projects in palliative care, mental health, and vaping reform that demonstrate collaborative, evidence-based initiatives.

In 2025, the PSA’s Projects team delivered more than 40 initiatives in collaboration with over 30 partners, cementing PSA’s role as the national peak body driving the Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) agenda.

The PSA’s commitment to supporting pharmacists through change is demonstrated in the report with key education projects including:

The National Palliative Care Project (2023-2026): The PSA is committed to improving palliative care by building pharmacist capability, integrating pharmacist roles into interdisciplinary care teams, and ensuring patients and carers receive safe, compassionate, and person-centred support wherever they are. In May 2025, PSA launched its ASPIRE Palliative Care Foundation Training Program for pharmacists. Within six weeks, more than 1000 pharmacists were enrolled.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training: The PSA’s MHFA training aims to address the gaps in mental health literacy and confidence, aspiring to “Recognise, Respond, and Support”. In 2025, 654 pharmacists and pharmacy staff had completed PSA’s MHFA course.

Vaping reform: The PSA rolled out a series of webinars and modules on navigating vaping reform throughout 2025, as education is essential for the consistency and confidence of pharmacists. With over 1000 registrations for the first webinar, the highest in PSA’s history, more than 2500 pharmacists have participated in vaping education and training.

National PSA President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPs, said translating policy into practice and equipping pharmacists to lead innovation meant PSA continued to build a future where pharmacists were fully enabled to provide person-centred care across all areas of practice.

“The Impact Report demonstrates PSA’s unwavering commitment to excellence, collaboration, and measurable national impact in improving the quality use of medicines,” she said.

“Pharmacists play a vital role in supporting symptom management, medicines optimisation, and continuity of care at the end of life, yet their expertise has not been systematically embedded across community and primary care settings. 

“In addition to driving innovation through projects and pilots, we are committed to supporting the pharmacy workforce with education, training, and practice support regardless of policy decisions. This ensures pharmacists and pharmacy support staff have the confidence to meet regulatory requirements, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with the needs of both consumers and our health system.”

The PSA 2025 Impact Report is available for download 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 Congratulates WA’s CHO Dr Robertson on his retirement 

5 November 2025 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) wishes to congratulate Western Australia’s Chief Health Officer (CHO), Dr Andrew (Andy) Robertson CSC, PSM, on the announcement of his retirement today.  

Dr Robertson’s 22 years with WA Health highlight his unwavering dedication and commitment to serving and protecting the West Australian community. 

PSA’s Mayli Foong MPS, WA State Manager, commended Dr Robertson for his contribution to public health and the wellbeing of the community: 

“During Dr Robertson’s tenure, pharmacist practice in Western Australia has grown in leaps and bounds, particularly in the areas of vaccination and a range of pharmacist prescribing initiatives. 

“PSA has been proud to partner with Dr Robertson and his WA Health team on many pharmacist practice issues and initiatives over the years. While we have been privileged to work with him behind the scenes for many years, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that pharmacists and the community became most familiar with his work and dedication. 

“Western Australia’s health response to the pandemic was the envy of many, and I thank Dr Robertson for his dedication and hard work, which kept Western Australians safe. 

“On behalf of all Western Australian pharmacists, I wish Dr Robertson all the best for his retirement.” 

The PSA looks forward to a continued partnership with Dr Robertson’s successor from February 2026.  

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen  

M: 0480 099 798  E: leah.jacobsen@psa.org.au