Federal Budget locks in health commitments

25 March 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Albanese Government’s 2025-26 Budget, investing in a number of measures that allow pharmacists to deliver timely, accessible care to Australians.

 

Of the key measures announced pre-Budget, PSA again reaffirms its support for the government’s record $573 million investment in women’s health initiatives, including funding for a nation-wide trial to boost access to treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and hormonal contraception through community pharmacists, as well as the historic investment to lower the PBS general patient co-payment from $31.60 to $25.00 on 1 January 2026.

 

In particular, PSA welcomes the federal government’s investment in the further development of the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists, reflecting evolving practice and supporting pharmacists as new ethical paradigms arise.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the work will ensure pharmacists are supported to practise to their full scope:

 

“Supporting pharmacists in ethical decision-making is particularly critical considering the rapid growth in scope of practice and evolving community expectations.

 

“PSA’s focus is on ensuring that pharmacists are able practise to their full scope, underpinned by the necessary support for professional practice, education and training.”

 

A/Prof Sim also reflected on the importance of the funding measures which will increase accessibility of care.

 

“PSA welcomes the federal government’s investment in women’s health, funding 250,000 Australian women with concession cards to access treatment for UTIs and oral contraception from their local pharmacist without an out-of-pocket consultation.

 

“We look forward to working with government, consumers and other stakeholders to implement this measure as soon as possible, ensuring that all women can access care when and where they need it.

 

“PSA also acknowledges the historic investment in the PBS, ensuring the cost burden of medicines is eased and more Australians can afford their medicines,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

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

PSA to host sector-wide roundtable on pharmacist programs

25 March 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is set to host a roundtable consultation in early April 2025 to discuss a range of pharmacy programs that sit outside the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA).

 

The roundtable follows the Minister for Health Mark Butler MP’s January announcement of a new pharmacy programs agreement, where PSA will facilitate stakeholder consultation, negotiate and be a signatory.

 

This agreement will cover a range of pharmacy programs that no longer sit within the 8CPA including but not limited to medication management programs (including Home Medicines Reviews and Residential Medication Management Reviews), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific programs, and rural support programs that encompass pharmacists in a range of practice areas.

 

The new agreement will see PSA and the Commonwealth work together, alongside other pharmacy stakeholders, to strengthen programs that pharmacists deliver across the health system.

 

Content of the new agreement will be informed by outcomes from the consultation roundtable, alongside the results of an independent cost-effectiveness review of existing pharmacy programs run by Deloitte on behalf of the Commonwealth.

 

The consultation roundtable is set to be Chaired by PSA Consultant Pharmacist Advisor Debbie Rigby FPS, who said consultation with stakeholders, including pharmacy representative bodies, primary care stakeholders, consumers and health groups, will inform programs that better support pharmacists to deliver safe, accessible, timely care to Australians.

 

“As the peak national body for pharmacists across all areas of practice, PSA is leading a roundtable with key pharmacy and health stakeholders, setting the agenda for programs that sit outside of the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement,” Ms Rigby said.

 

“By bringing together key stakeholders, we get a comprehensive, profession-wide view of both the challenges and opportunities ahead.

 

“Harnessing the insights gathered through this consultation, PSA is identifying challenges in current services, and potential improvements to existing programs, to enable sustainability and better outcomes from these programs,” Ms Rigby concluded.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS reaffirmed PSA’s commitment to a collaborative approach that seeks input from across the sector.

 

“Following the Minister’s announcement earlier this year, we’re excited to be progressing consultation with a range of key stakeholders, signalling our collaborative approach to improving pharmacy programs.

 

“Our focus is on ensuring that programs delivered by pharmacists are fit for purpose and evolving to meet the growing health needs of Australians.

 

“Under our incredible Advisor Debbie Rigby’s leadership, our Board including Agreements Lead Shane Jackson, and alongside the broader PSA team, I look forward to working with a diverse range of stakeholders to work toward pharmacy programs that better work not only for our profession, but for patients,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

Consultation on individual pharmacy programs is currently open on PSA’s website. Members and the broader pharmacy profession are encouraged to provide their insights, case studies on challenges or barriers limiting patient access, and ideas on how to improve the quality and accessibility of services.

 

Feedback can be submitted through program surveys at www.psa.org.au/pharmacy-programs-feedback/

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

Expanded pharmacist scope becomes permanent in Queensland

21 March 2025

 

Following the success of the Queensland Community Pharmacy over the last 12 months, Queensland Minister for Health Tim Nicholls MP has this morning announced that pharmacist-prescribing for a range of acute conditions will become a permanent feature of Queensland’s health system.

 

The Queensland Community Pharmacy Pilot enables pharmacists who undertake specialised training to prescribe for a range of acute conditions, making timely care more accessible to Queenslanders when and where they need it.

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Queensland President Shane MacDonald MPS welcomed the announcement, saying the success of the trial has demonstrated the critical role pharmacists play in improving patient access to care.

 

“Queenslanders have embraced the ability to see their local pharmacist for a consultation of their presenting complaint, reducing pressure on emergency departments and our health system,” Mr MacDonald said.

 

“This announcement is a testament to the quality of care pharmacists deliver. Making this program permanent is a win for patients, ensuring they continue to have timely access to safe, effective treatment close to home.”

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS reaffirmed PSA’s commitment to supporting practitioners undertaking specialised training to become full scope, prescribing pharmacists with a range of professional support.

 

“As the peak body for all pharmacists we’re calling on pharmacists across the state to enrol in the training program and take the next steps toward full scope,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“We’re supporting our pharmacist workforce to be prepared for full scope of practice to become permanent with training and education opportunities announced earlier this week, as well as practice support for pharmacists across the state.

 

“Pharmacists who want to take advantage of this opportunity should enrol as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out, as opportunities for training subsidies are limited.”

 

PSA’s Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program meets the training requirements for Queensland pharmacists participating in the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, and is eligible for the Queensland Government training subsidy. Enrolments are open now.

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

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Pharmacists welcome commitment to reducing PBS patient co-payment

20 March 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) applauds the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to reduce the maximum patient co-payment on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listed medications from $31.60 to $25.

 

The move will save Australians $689 million over the next four years.

 

PSA stood side-by-side with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and more than 20 other health and community groups to call on the government to make medicines more affordable.

 

In welcoming the announcement, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said: “Medicines are no good if you can’t afford to take them.”

 

“Pharmacists see firsthand the challenges faced by patients struggling to afford the medicines they need.

 

“Australians are proud of the PBS, our world-leading system promoting equitable access to medicines for over 70 years. Ensuring affordability remains at the heart of this system is critical to supporting medication adherence and positive health outcomes.

 

“Cost should never be a barrier to accessing medicines you’ve been prescribed for your health, and this commitment will help to ensure that more Australians can take their medicines as directed, reducing the risk of preventable complications and hospitalisations.”
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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

Closing the Gap emphasises need for pharmacists embedded in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services

20 March 2025

 

Today the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) recognises Close the Gap Day, a National Day of Action toward Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equity.

 

Close the Gap Day highlights the persistent health disadvantages experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Chronic diseases contribute significantly to these inequities, with Indigenous Australians facing much higher rates of life-shortening health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Addressing these challenges necessitates sustained action and investment in culturally responsive care.

 

The release of Closing the Gap’s annual report today highlights the confronting lack of progress against the four Priority Reform areas of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. PSA stands with Close the Gap in calling for action on the recommendations of the Productivity Commission’s 2024 Closing the Gap Review.

 

PSA again urges the federal government to further invest in First Nations health by permanently funding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Services to employ pharmacists. Evidence supporting this model of care was captured in the Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (IPAC) project and subsequently recommended by the Medical Services Advisory Committee in 2023.

 

The IPAC project, led by PSA in partnership with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and James Cook University, demonstrated that adding non-dispensing pharmacists to the team of health workers within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) leads to significant improvements in health for Indigenous patients managing chronic diseases. Key findings included:

• improved medication adherence: Patients reported better adherence to prescribed medications, a critical factor in effective chronic disease management.
• enhanced clinical outcomes: There were clinically significant improvements in controlling cardiovascular disease risk factors, kidney function, and glycaemic levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
• improved prescribing quality
• improved patient self-reported health status

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS emphasised the importance of investing in the integration of pharmacists into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Services.

 

“This model of care is essential to breaking down barriers to medicine access and ensuring that pharmacists can deliver culturally responsive care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

 

“PSA continues advocating for its continuation and expansion to ensure sustainable, long-term health benefits for Indigenous communities.”

 

Integrating pharmacists into Aboriginal Community Controlle​d Health Services teams helps to tailor medicine use to the unique cultural and health needs of Indigenous patients. It is a model fosters trust and improves engagement, leading to better health outcomes.

 

PSA calls on governments to take the advice of their own experts and fund the evidence-based integration of pharmacists into Aboriginal Community Controlle​d Health Services

 

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

Faye McMillan Conference Grant returns for third year

20 March 2025

 

In marking National Close the Gap Day today, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is reaffirming its commitment to increasing representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the pharmacy profession, announcing the opening of expressions of interest for the 2025 PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant.

Now in its third year, the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant is awarded to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pharmacists to attend PSA’s flagship national conference, This year the grant opportunity has been extended to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacy students to support their attendance at Australia’s leading pharmacist education conference PSA25, taking place in Sydney from 1-3 August 2025.

PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim, said the grant is an important part of PSA’s commitment to growing and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ representation in pharmacy.

“We know that representation matters in healthcare,” Associate Professor Sim said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identifying people represent 3.8% of our national population, but only 0.3% of our pharmacist workforce.

“The purpose of the PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant is to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists, and for the first time pharmacy students too, to be part of the conversation, to engage in professional development, connect with peers, and contribute to shaping the future of our profession.

“Alongside the incredible Professor Faye McMillan, PSA is proud to once again welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacists to PSA25 with the 2025 conference grant.”

Professor Faye McMillan AM FPS, a Wiradjuri yinaa (woman) originally from Trangie, NSW, is recognised as the first Indigenous Australian to hold a western degree in pharmacy in this country.

“I am incredibly proud to once again have my name associated with the 2025 PSA Faye McMillan Conference Grant, and excited that this year the grant opportunity will be extended to pharmacy students,” Professor McMillan said.

“This initiative will enable them to grow their professional networks early in their careers, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the profession.

“By supporting this grant, we are not only promoting diversity and inclusion but also working towards a more equitable healthcare system,” Professor McMillan said.

 

​Expressions of interest are open now.

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

Prescribing and clinical training set to take pharmacists to new heights

17 March 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has launched a brand new comprehensive training program for pharmacists practising to an expanded scope.  

 

The Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program develops pharmacists’ skills and expertise, with specialised prescribing and clinical practice training, focussing on the knowledge and skills needed to manage conditions within pharmacists expanded scope.  

 

On completion, pharmacists can practise as part of a collaborative and person-centred approach for the management of patients’ specific clinical conditions as approved within the scope of state and territory legislation.  

 

For example, pharmacists who complete both components of the program will be able to provide clinical services as part of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot. This training program will form the basis for pharmacist training in other states and territories pending other jurisdictional legislation changes.  

 

The release of the program marks an important milestone in PSA’s growing support for pharmacists stepping up into prescribing roles, furthering PSA’s role as the key training and education provider for Australian pharmacists.  

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said Queensland’s scope of practice pilot lays the groundwork for what patient care could look like around the country.  

 

“As our population ages and pressure on our health system increases, all health professionals need to be fully utilised,” Associate Professor Sim said. 

 

“As the peak body for pharmacists, PSA is ensuring pharmacists have the necessary training, support, and recognition to succeed in these expanded roles. Enabling pharmacist prescribing in the management of common clinical conditions will enhance patient access to timely, expert care. 

 

“The launch of these training programs is a critical step in building the capability of our pharmacist workforce, equipping pharmacists with the clinical skills and confidence to provide more comprehensive care. 

 

“Queensland’s Scope of Practice Pilot is laying the foundation for what pharmacist prescribing could look like across Australia, building the evidence base to show how pharmacist prescribing improves patient outcomes, strengthens our healthcare system, and creates a model for the rest of the country to follow.  

 

“This is just one of the many ways PSA is supporting pharmacists as we continue to advocate for our profession to practise to our full scope,” Associate Professor Sim concluded. 

 

The Pharmacist Prescribing Scope of Practice Training Program is currently available to all Australian pharmacists. The full program meets the training requirements for Queensland pharmacists participating in the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, and is eligible for the Queensland Government training subsidy. Training requirements for scope of practice pilots in other states and territories vary. Pharmacists are encouraged to visit their jurisdiction’s Department of Health website for further information.  

 

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

Australia’s 40,000 pharmacists stepping up for our communities

13 March 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) proudly celebrates Australia’s 40,000 pharmacists this Thank Your Pharmacist Day, recognising the dedication and impact of pharmacists across all areas of practice and in all corners of the country.

 

The 2025 Thank Your Pharmacist Day theme, Pharmacists Stepping Up, highlights the growing role of pharmacists in delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare – stepping up to meet increasing demands, growing towards full scope, and improving patient outcomes in every area of practice and specialty.

 

With the workforce under pressure and health system demands growing, PSA is encouraging Australians to show their appreciation for pharmacists on Thank Your Pharmacist Day, while also calling on pharmacists to use the day as an opportunity for advocacy.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the day is an opportunity to acknowledge pharmacists’ contributions while also advocating for a stronger, more supported profession.

 

“Pharmacists continue to step up to meet new challenges, delivering more vaccinations, expanding acute care services, improving medication management, and championing quality use of medicines in aged care residents. We are doing more than ever to keep Australians healthy,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Today is an opportunity for members of our community to show up for the pharmacists that show up for you. I encourage all Australians to recognise the tireless work of their local pharmacists and share a message of thanks today, and in every interaction.

 

“In celebrating Thank Your Pharmacist Day, I also call on policymakers to recognise and invest in the essential role pharmacists play in our health system. With a federal election on the horizon, now is the time for meaningful reform to recognise and support pharmacists to practise to their full and top of scope.

 

“When we step up together, as a united profession, we drive real change.”

 

Australians can get involved by thanking their pharmacists in person, sharing their appreciation on social media using #ThankYourPharmacist, or learning more about pharmacists’ growing role in healthcare.

 

For more information, visit www.psa.org.au/thankyourpharmacist.

 

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