PSA enters into Heads of Agreement for the First Pharmacy Programs Agreement to progress partnership and certainty

22 December 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has entered into a Heads of Agreement for a Pharmacy Programs with the Australian Government. This Heads of Agreement represents a key milestone in the progression to signing the First Pharmacy Programs Agreement (1PPA).

 

This Heads of Agreement confirms the Government’s intention to provide ongoing funding, outside the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA), for programs central to the safe and effective use of medicines across the health system. These programs include six medication management programs and all legacy rural workforce and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs previously included in the 8CPA.

 

PSA and the Department of Health have agreed to use their best endeavours to agree on the final 1PPA as soon as reasonably practicable, after the relevant budgetary processes have been concluded.

 

The Heads of Agreement contains a shared intention between the Australian Government and PSA to advance the central pillars of the National Medicine Policy 2022 and 10th National Health Priority Area of Quality Use of Medicines and Medicine Safety. It recognises the central role of pharmacists in optimising quality use of medicines and medicine safety and the critical role of the pharmacy workforce.

 

The Heads of Agreement recognises the desirability of ensuring fair and equitable remuneration for pharmacists; addressing barriers to effective services delivery; addressing rural and regional disadvantages; and working towards culturally safe and appropriate care for patients.

 

The Heads of Agreement also recognises the desirability of supporting ongoing review and, when appropriate, reform of pharmacy program design and service delivery, within relevant budgetary and policy constraints of the Commonwealth and the Australian Government.

 

Importantly, the Heads of Agreement recognises the desirability of supporting the Australian Government’s Closing the Gap initiative and its aims to reduce health and life expectancy inequalities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians, with a strong focus on improving access to culturally safe and equitable health services.

 

PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, said the Heads of Agreement marks a significant milestone in establishing certainty for the profession and ensuring pharmacists can continue their vital work across communities.

 

“Today’s announcement demonstrates a clear commitment from the government to work in partnership with PSA to secure the future of essential pharmacist programs,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“These programs are essential to quality use of medicines and patient safety across the health system – from medicine reviews to aged care and to rural and remote communities. The Heads of Agreement gives PSA a firm foundation to negotiate the details required in the coming months, ensuring Australians can continue to benefit from essential pharmacist services.”

 

PSA National President-Elect, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, emphasised the 1PPA will go beyond providing funding certainty.

 

“The Heads of Agreement signals a new phase of collaboration. It demonstrates the Government’s confidence in the programs we as pharmacists deliver,” said Prof Naunton.

 

Deborah Hawthorne FPS, Chair of PSA’s Consultant Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest, reflected on the importance of the reforms PSA is seeking.

 

“The 1PPA is a critical agreement. The pharmacist programs it contains support medicine safety and quality of life for some of Australia’s most vulnerable patients,” Ms Hawthorne said.

 

“It is essential they are modernised to meet the community’s evolving health needs and remunerated fairly in recognition of pharmacists’ expertise, particularly as payments for many services haven’t had an adjustment for CPI for over six years.”

 

PSA Consultant Pharmacist Advisor, Debbie Rigby FPS, echoed these sentiments.

 

“PSA is seeking a number of common-sense changes to pharmacy programs, including those delivered by consultant pharmacists, to improve patient access, fair remuneration and quality.  These are priorities as finalisation of the agreement continues”, Ms Rigby said.

 

“PSA is the home of all pharmacists. We are committed to achieving a good outcome for the profession to enable pharmacists to sustainably provide their medicines expertise and care to Australians.”

 

PSA Negotiations Lead Associate, Professor Shane Jackson FPS, welcomed the commitment of Government to reach an agreement once the Commonwealth budgetary processes are complete.

 

“PSA intends, through the upcoming 2026-27 budget process, to pursue a pathway forward to ensure these programs can deliver fair and equitable remuneration for pharmacists and reduce barriers to service delivery.

 

“The PSA has and will continue to work constructively with the Department. We look forward further engagement with our members and the entire profession as we look to finalising the full agreement and delivering strong outcomes for the profession and for Australians.” A/Prof Jackson concluded.

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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 the expansion of the Victorian Community Pharmacy Program to include impetigo treatment and new hormonal contraceptives

19 December 2025 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) congratulates the Victorian Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, on the announcement regarding the expansion of the Victorian Community Pharmacy Program.

 

Victorian Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, has today announced the expansion of the Victorian Community Pharmacy Program to include impetigo (school sores) in individuals 24 months and older, and hormonal contraceptive continuation, extending beyond oral contraceptives to include depot injection and hormonal ring contraceptives.

 

The expansion will provide enhanced convenience, allowing patients, including parents, to access impetigo treatment for those over 24 months of age and improve access for those continuing hormonal contraception, including injections and rings, without the need for a prescription from the GP.

 

This expansion will raise the total number of common health services available in community pharmacies to six. All additional service consultations will be available at no patient cost, funded by the Victorian Government.

 

PSA Victorian President, Atinuke Abraham FPS, applauds this expansion, which empowers community pharmacists to deliver more comprehensive and accessible care.

 

“This expansion improves access to safe and effective health care for Victorians, complementing the existing services for uncomplicated UTIs, shingles, plaque psoriasis, and travel health,” she said.

 

“We look forward to additional common health conditions and well-being services being introduced to the Victorian Community Pharmacist Program as soon as possible.

 

“Victoria’s approach to pharmacist-led consultations is grounded in equity of access for patients, including through funding of pharmacist consultations.

 

“With PSA’s training formally recognised by the Victorian government earlier this month, it’s an exciting time to be a pharmacist in Victoria. We encourage Victorian community pharmacists to enrol in PSA’s prescribing course to be ready to deliver safe, evidence-based prescribing in line with state protocols.”

 

To enrol in PSA’s Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training program, visit 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. 

Steve Morris steps down as Chief Executive Officer

18 December 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today announced that Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris has given notice that he is resigning as Chief Executive Officer of the PSA. 

 

The Board acknowledges Adj A/Prof Morris’ contribution during his time with the organisation, including achievements and progress made on key strategic initiatives, membership growth, strengthened relationships with government and other stakeholders, and commitment to drive innovation in quality use of medicines and pharmacist practice.  

 

PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, said the organisation remains focused on stability and continuity as it enters the next phase of transformational growth. She expresses gratitude and recognition of Adj A/Prof Morris’ impact: 

 

“Steve has overseen and led the team at the PSA through a significant period of challenge, including major health policy changes and sector-wide reforms,” she said.  

  

“We thank Steve for the significant contribution he has made to progressing PSA’s mission to advance pharmacy practice in all areas of practice, and to support pharmacists to continue to deliver excellence in healthcare to all patients. We are grateful for his leadership and commitment to the PSA and wish him well in all future endeavours.”   

  

Adjunct A/Prof Morris reflects on his time at the PSA: 

  

“During my time as CEO, I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a passionate and committed team during a period of challenge, growth and transformation for the organisation. I am proud of the strides we have made in supporting the pharmacy workforce across Australia,” he said. 

  

“I wish PSA well into the next phase of growth and the continued efforts to enhance access to care and improve the quality use of medicines.”  

  

A/Prof Morris’ last day at the PSA will be 19 December 2025. 

  

With Steve’s resignation, the Board has appointed Bridget Totterman MPS as Interim CEO to ensure all key strategic initiatives of the PSA are brought to fruition. A recruitment process will be undertaken in the first half of 2026 to appoint a new CEO. 

 

 

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 standards for CPD for pharmacists now published

12 December 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today launched the PSA Standards for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Pharmacists, marking a new era for the accreditation of CPD activities for the pharmacy profession.

 

The launch of the PSA Standards follows the retirement of the Australian Pharmacy Council (APC) Accreditation Standards for CPD Activities on 31 December 2025. Developed through extensive consultation with the profession, the PSA Standards provide a contemporary framework to guide the quality and educational integrity of continuing professional development activities for pharmacists.

 

With the commencement of these Standards, CPD providers can apply for accreditation under the PSA Accredited CPD framework.

 

All supporting materials, including application forms and the PSA Accredited CPD Provider Handbook, will be available at this link from 5 January 2026.

 

PSA acknowledges and thanks the individuals and organisations who contributed feedback during the consultation process and looks forward to supporting providers in delivering high-quality education for pharmacists.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS reflected on the process of developing the Standards, acknowledging the work of all involved, including the individuals and organisations who provided feedback during the consultation period.

 

“The approval of the PSA standards for CPD for pharmacists marks a significant milestone in PSA’s already rich history in upholding quality education standards, now spanning decades,” she said.

 

“We know our education and continuing professional development are core values for our members. I want to assure you that these standards will give pharmacists the confidence that the CPD they access is of high quality.

 

“I sincerely thank everyone who participated in the consultation process. It is an incredible achievement to be sharing this news only 5 months after announcing PSA’s intent to publish these education standards.”

 

To view the Standards or enquire about the accreditation process, contact CPDaccreditation@psa.org.au or visit the link accessible 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. 

 

PSA26 set to welcome pharmacists home, with registrations now open

11 December 2025 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is excited to announce the launch of its 2026 national conference, PSA26, and to welcome home pharmacists as registrations open.

 

PSA26 will take place from Friday, 31 July to Sunday, 2 August 2026 at ICC Sydney.

 

The ‘Home of Pharmacists’ theme reflects PSA’s ongoing commitment to increasing the breadth and depth of support provided to members, ensuring that more pharmacists, across more practice settings, find their professional home in PSA.

 

With PSA’s acquisition of the Australasian College of Pharmacy (the College), this theme takes on special meaning, symbolising the beginning of a new chapter in which more pharmacists can come home to an organisation that unites, represents, and supports them at every stage of their professional journey.

 

Pharmacists can expect to participate in PSA’s agenda-setting sessions and workshops throughout the conference, which will earn them a mix of group 1 and 2 CPD credits, designed to drive innovation and excellence in pharmacy practice.

 

President–Elect, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, reflected on the heightened significance of the theme following PSA’s acquisition of the College.

 

“PSA26 is more than a conference; it’s where every pharmacist can see themselves reflected in the future of their profession,” he said.

 

“‘The Home of Pharmacists’ theme signifies belonging, connection, and purpose, uniting pharmacists across all areas of practice.

 

“This new chapter for our national conference will bring more of the profession home under one roof. PSA26 is where we welcome pharmacists to the organisation that supports them at every stage of their career.”

 

Building on the success of this year’s conference, pharmacists will see several program changes at PSA26 as the event continues to grow. Social events will be held in new, larger venues, and the scientific program will span multiple days.

 

“It’s great to see the scientific program of oral presentations and poster sessions continue to grow. We are similarly pleased to elevate the closing plenary back to a seated luncheon event for the first time since 2022, anchored by the Alan Russell Oration,” Professor Naunton said.

 

“We know people crave connection. At PSA26, we have an enhanced social program tailored to forming these connections, with more time for networking to allow pharmacists the opportunity to grow, connect, and reflect. 

 

“It’s fantastic that we have been able to expand the ECP party to everyone as a ‘housewarming party’ on the Friday evening after the welcome reception.”

 

Following overwhelming engagement this year, pharmacists’ favourite sessions will return, including agenda-setting policy panels, Pharmacy Student of the Year and CSI Sundays.

 

“I encourage all PSA members and pharmacists looking to expand their network to register for PSA26. Now is the time to lock in the best pricing for registration, accommodation and travel, and I encourage PSA members to take advantage of the special launch offer and don’t forget to invite your colleagues,” he said.

 

Registrations for PSA26 are now open, with a launch offer available until 24 December. Secure your spot and come home to PSA26 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 Board elects new leadership team to oversee the next phase of the organisation’s growth

8 December 2025 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National Board has elected Professor Mark Naunton MPS as President Elect at its December 2025 board meeting. The Board has also elected Bridget Totterman MPS as National Vice President (elect) to fill the vacancy created by Prof Naunton’s election.  

 

The new leadership team will commence their roles from January 2026, as part of a planned orderly succession to ensure governance leadership at the PSA. The leadership change comes at a pivotal time for PSA as it drives forward on its growth trajectory, including the acquisition of the Australasian College of Pharmacy (ACP). During this transition, A/Prof Fei Sim will continue to serve on the PSA Board.  

 

A/Prof Sim has served as PSA National President since July 2022. During this time, she signed the first Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice between PSA and the Australian Government, launched and operationalised the PSA Foundation, negotiated the acquisition of the Australasian College of Pharmacy as part of a path for organisational to achieve transformational growth, launched the Pharmacists in 2030 strategic roadmap for the profession, and led the Board to set strategic decisions for PSA to lead QUM innovation projects and strengthened partnerships which saw an exponential growth in projects revenue. She served on several major Government and department committees and working groups, actively advocating for pharmacists’ contribution to improved quality use of medicines and access to care.  

 

During A/Prof Sim’s tenure, PSA membership exceeded 20,000 members for the first time as a national organisation. PSA’s national conference has grown year-on-year, and the organisation has returned substantially improved financial outcomes.  

 

Currently serving in her fourth and final term as per the Constitution, in reflecting on her term as PSA National President, A/Prof Sim focused on the importance of teamwork and collaboration in supporting pharmacists and driving the profession forward: 

 

“I have been privileged to lead a talented, united board with a clear, focused agenda for PSA. I am confident in the capabilities of our new board leaders. Professor Mark Naunton has unanimous support from our Board and is an experienced and incredible leader. 

 

“I have been humbled to serve PSA and the profession as National President and Board Chair for the past three-and-a-half years. During my final term, it has been my intention to facilitate an orderly succession and a seamless transition of leadership. It is such an exciting time to be a pharmacist, and it has been a privilege to work with my team of Board colleagues to drive so many initiatives forward”, she said. 

 

“I’m particularly proud of the rapid growth in scope of practice of the profession in recent years and am confident this will continue as more and more people see the value and potential of pharmacists across the health system.

 

“I want to thank PSA members for their support. Your wisdom, practice experience and words of encouragement have been critical in helping me, and the broader PSA team, fight for the profession and its future. 

 

“As we navigate the next phase of our growth agenda, it is critical that PSA leadership provides the continuity of a smooth transition for the PSA Board. Now is the right time for new leadership to take PSA into the next exciting chapter. We are blessed to be in a position where we are able to implement a well-thought-out leadership succession plan. 

 

“I look forward to continuing to serve on the PSA Board and give my full support to Mark and the elected leadership team as they take up their roles early in the new year.” 

 

Prof. Naunton paid tribute to A/Prof Sim’s leadership and achievements during her time as PSA National President: 

 

“Fei has been a truly inspirational leader. Her achievements are substantial. She has overseen the negotiation of the first Strategic Agreement of Pharmacist Professional Practice, established the PSA Foundation, driven the strategic agenda for innovation in quality use of medicines, and driven practice forward through her membership of numerous government advisory committees,” he said. 

 

“Most of all, she is loved by the profession. She is held in the highest esteem by pharmacists from all areas of practice, the PSA Board and by external stakeholders.  

 

“I am honoured to have been supported by the PSA Board as the President Elect. PSA is an organisation on the rise, and I am committed to continuing the growth trajectory of the organisation in recent years. 

 

“This growth agenda provides PSA with the opportunity to do more for pharmacists, to make a bigger impact for pharmacists and help pharmacists be the best that they can be.  

 

“The huge challenges facing our health system create new opportunities for pharmacists to lead medicine safety and access initiatives anywhere medicines are prescribed, supplied, dispensed, administered or reviewed. PSA is at the forefront of these opportunities, and I am committed to seeing PSA drive practice innovation and growth for the future. 

 

“I look forward to leading the skilful and experienced team of Bridget, Caroline and the PSA Board as we continue to implement our strategic plan to grow PSA, to support members, to increase our impact and untap the full potential of pharmacists.” 

 

 

PROF. MARK NAUNTON MPS (President Elect)  

Mark is currently the Chair of the Faculty of Health and Professor of Pharmacy at the University of Canberra and leads and teaches primarily in therapeutics and pharmacy practice. His career includes roles in academia, community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and being a pharmacist in Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the ACT. Mark has worked internationally at the University of Groningen (The Netherlands). He is credentialed to undertake medication reviews, is an aged care onsite pharmacist, and practices in community pharmacy.  

 

Mark has been on the PSA ACT branch committee since 2017, served on the PSA National Board since 2022, and graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors in 2022. 

  

 

BRIDGET TOTTERMAN (Vice President Elect)  

Bridget has been a PSA Board member since 2023. She is a community pharmacy owner with over 15 years’ experience in whole-of-business management, including operations and frontline leadership. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).  

 

Bridget was awarded the Bowl of Hygeia – QLD Pharmacist of the Year in 2020 for outstanding leadership and change management. Bridget was a member of the Steering Advisory Group (SAG) for UTIPP-Q (2020-2022) and one of the first vaccinating pharmacists in QPIP (2014). Bridget was appointed Clinical Fellow of Queensland University of Technology in 2018 and is a member of the Course Advisory Group for QUT Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons.). 

 

Images available on request. 

 

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. 

Expressions of interest now open: PSA Foundation announces Hugh and Mary Darragh Postgraduate Scholarship

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 December 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the Hugh and Mary Darragh Postgraduate Scholarship, with expressions of interest now formally open.  

 

The Hugh and Mary Darragh Postgraduate Scholarship is a national initiative that supports pharmacists advancing their clinical expertise through postgraduate study focused on improving disease-state management. 

 

Hugh and Mary Darragh came from proud pharmacy families, with deep roots in Brisbane’s pharmacy history. Hugh registered as a pharmacist in 1935 and went on to own several pharmacies across the city, while Mary’s father and grandfather had operated pharmacies since the late 1800s. With no children of their own, the Darraghs’ dedicated their legacy to supporting future pharmacists, establishing a Trust to fund postgraduate education in pharmacy or medicine to be administered by the Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland (PSQ). The Trust has since been transferred to the PSA Foundation.   

 

The scholarship will provide the successful applicant with up to $10,000 to support their further studies in a clinical capacity, enabling them to drive measurable improvements in patient care and disease state management through subsequent evidence-based, collaborative practice.  

 

Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, Chair of the PSA Foundation, reflected: “We acknowledge the legacy of the PSQ, and as the Trustee of the Hugh and Mary Darragh Trust, the PSA Foundation is honoured to make this scholarship opportunity available. 

 

“Through their generous bequest, Hugh and Mary have left a strong legacy for future pharmacy generations. It was their wish to support the education and development of pharmacists, and we are delighted to help honour this wish.  

 

“Quality use of medicines drives everything we do as pharmacists. I look forward to the scholarship supporting others who are passionate about improving the way medicines are used to manage diseases better as they progress further through their studies,” she said.  

 

PSA Queensland President, Hannah Knowles MPS, said: 

 

“Hugh and Mary Darragh’s commitment to high-quality pharmacy practice lives on through this scholarship, and I sincerely thank the PSA Foundation for its careful management of the Darragh Trust and for bringing this vision to life.   

 

“By enabling pharmacists to advance their postgraduate training, this scholarship will drive safer and more effective use of medicines, delivering long-term benefits to the communities we serve.” 

 

Information on how to apply is available on the PSA Foundation website available here.

 

Expressions of interest close on 31 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. 

‘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.”

 

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. 

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.