Queensland unleashes the potential of pharmacist immunisers, PSA calls on other states to follows

6 February 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has strongly endorsed the announcement today by the Queensland Government’s announcement to support full-scope of practice for pharmacist immunisers.

 

The Crisafulli Government’s announcement will see legislation amended to enable trained health practitioners, including pharmacists, to vaccinate more age groups in more locations against more vaccine-preventable diseases across Queensland.

 

Queensland PSA President Hannah Knowles said the scope of practice reforms are critical for the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders, improving access, prevention and system resilience:

 

“When pharmacists are authorised to vaccinate more age groups and, in more settings, it removes unnecessary barriers to care and allows the health system to respond where demand actually exists, in the community.”

 

Ms Knowles reflected that the Australian community had strong confidence in pharmacist immunisers, who have become a core part of the vaccination workforce, as well as providing substantial surge capacity to vaccination campaigns during the Autumn and Winter periods of peak demand.

 

“Pharmacist immunisers safely administer millions of vaccines doses each year to protect Australians against vaccine-preventable diseases.  But up until now, pharmacist and patients have had to navigate complex regulations regarding legal authority to vaccinate which haven’t lined up with clinical recommendations. This has, in itself, become a barrier to vaccination,” she said.

 

“This change will mean pharmacist immunisers can administer vaccines to all patients where clinically appropriate and within their individual level of competency.”

 

PSA National President Professor Mark Naunton called on other jurisdictions to follow Queensland’s lead:

 

“I congratulate the Queensland Government for this common-sense announcement which will benefit patients. I urge state and territory government around Australia to join Queensland and South Australia in simplifying vaccination regulation so that it works for patients, rather than work against them.”

 

PSA also welcomed the announcement of a free-flu program in Queensland for 2026, which will include the needle-free nasal spray influenza vaccine for eligible children aged two to five years. This program will commence on 1 March 2026.

 

“Prevention only works if people can actually access services,” Ms Knowles said.

 

“By pairing an expanded free flu program with modernised scope of practice settings, the Government is addressing both supply and accessibility, which is exactly what’s needed to lift vaccination rates.”

 

Ms Knowles said enabling pharmacists to vaccinate broader cohorts supports health system sustainability by reducing avoidable hospitalisations and easing pressure on emergency departments during winter.

 

“Influenza leads to preventable hospital admissions every year, particularly among older Queenslanders, people with chronic disease and vulnerable communities,” she said.

 

“Recognising full scope of practice for pharmacist immunisers is a smart, evidence-based way to keep people well, reduce demand on hospitals, and ensure healthcare resources are used where they are needed most.”

 

PSA looks forward to working with the Queensland Government on implementing the expanded free influenza vaccination program and supporting the expanded scope of practice for pharmacists to ensure pharmacists continue to deliver safe, high-quality immunisation services across Queensland.

 

Media contact: Leah Jacobsen media@psa.org.au

PSA welcomes interstate prescribing for Tasmanian patients

5 February 2026 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the earlier announcement from Bridget Archer, Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, that Tasmanian pharmacists will be able to dispense most prescriptions issued by interstate practitioners from 16 February 2026.

 

The announcement follows the passing of the Poisons Amendment (Interstate Prescriptions) Bill through the Tasmanian Legislative Council in December 2025.

 

From 16 February, Tasmanian pharmacists will be able to dispense interstate prescriptions for controlled drugs, provided the prescription complies with Tasmanian regulation requirements.

 

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

 

Tasmanian Branch President, Joanne Gross MPS, was pleased with Bridget Archer’s announcement.

 

“On behalf of Tasmanian pharmacists, we thank Minister Archer for this regulatory change. This will reduce the stress on Tasmanians requiring care from interstate prescribers and interstate travellers who require treatment with Schedule 8 and Schedule 4 Declared medicines,” she said.

 

“PSA has a long history of advocating for the harmonisation of regulations and legislation across the country. We’re glad that this barrier on Tasmanian and interstate travellers has been removed, ensuring patients can access essential medicines.”

 

More information following the changes can be accessed here: https://www.health.tas.gov.au/interstate-prescribing-tasmania
 

 

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 the pharmacists recognised on the 2026 Australia Day Honours List

26 January 2026 

  

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) wishes to congratulate Emeritus Professor Colin Burton Chapman and Mr Dipak Sanghvi of Victoria on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours.

 

Emeritus Professor Colin Burton Chapman has been recognised with the AM for significant service to pharmacy and pharmaceutical science research, education and practice.

 

Mr Dipak Sanghvi has been recognised with the AM for significant service to community health through governance and board roles.

 

The PSA also extend its congratulations to Mr Rhys Hollington London, Mr Bruce Vincent Townsend, and Mr Maurice Alan Renshaw on being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

 

Mr Rhys Hollington London has been recognised with the OAM for service to the community of Wynyard, Tasmania.

 

Mr Bruce Vincent Townsend has been recognised with the OAM for service to the community of Raymond Terrace, NSW.

 

Mr Maurice Alan Renshaw from New South Wales has been recognised with the OAM for service to the pharmaceutical industry.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, acknowledged the high honour of this recognition and thanked the recipients for their previous and ongoing contributions to the pharmacy profession.

 

“It is evident that pharmacists play a vital role in their communities and the healthcare system. To have multiple pharmacists recognised on the prestigious Australia Day Honours List is a phenomenal outcome.” Professor Naunton said.

 

“On behalf of PSA and the pharmacy profession, I would like to extend my congratulations to Emeritus Professor Colin Burton Chapman, Mr Dipak Sanghvi, Mr Rhys Hollington London, Mr Bruce Vincent, and Mr Maurice Alan Renshaw on their well-deserved recognition.”

 

 

 

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 announces 2026 NAPSA Wildcard Pharmacy Student of the Year

16 January 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has tonight announced that Grace Nicolson from the University of Western Australia is the 2026 National Australian Pharmacy Students’ Association (NAPSA) Wildcard Pharmacy Student of the Year (PSOTY).

 

The 2026 NAPSA Congress, a week-long event of education sessions, workshops, social gatherings, networking opportunities, trade exhibitions, and more, was hosted by the University of Sydney from 11 January to 16 January.

 

The PSOTY Wildcard Final takes place on the last day of Congress, where final-year pharmacy students compete by demonstrating their counselling skills to the panel of pharmacist judges.

 

The winner was selected by an esteemed pharmacist judging panel, Caroline Diamantis FPS, Lily Pham MPS, and Ian Currie MPS Product Manager at Viatris.

 

Speaking from the Congress, community pharmacist and PSA National Vice-President, Caroline Diamantis FPS, congratulated Grace on being named this year’s NAPSA Wildcard PSOTY Winner.

 

“The PSOTY Wildcard competition is rigorous. Not only do the finalists need to solve complex, clinical case studies, but they also need to explain them clearly and effectively, while providing clinical information on stage before a panel of pharmacists and over 300 of their peers,” she said.

 

“It is by no means easy, so I want to congratulate Grace and every student who put their hand up to compete. The PSOTY competition is a wonderful experience that ensures current students, our future pharmacists, have the confidence and leadership skills necessary to succeed in the profession.”

 

Grace will compete against the other state and territory PSOTY winners at PSA26 for the chance to be crowned the National PSOTY. 

 

The PSA acknowledges and thanks Viatris and NAPSA for their ongoing support in the PSOTY competition, which nurtures and inspires the next generation of pharmacists.

 

 

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. 

“Implement them all”; PSA back every recommendation of the Pharmacy Programs Cost Effectiveness Review

22 December 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has thrown its full support behind every recommendation of the Deloitte Pharmacy Programs Cost Effectiveness Review’s Final Report which was released by the Australian Government today.

 

The review, undertaken by Deloitte on behalf of the Australian Government makes eight recommendations for reform of pharmacist-led programs to improve cost effectiveness and sustainability.

 

In particular the review’s recommendations proposed the removal of caps to providers of Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs), introduction of increased program flexibility, alternate funding mechanisms to incentivise service provision in rural and remote communities and introduction of effective evaluation frameworks which include quality outcome indicators.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim hailed the report’s recommendations.

 

“The review and its recommendations are vindication for Australian pharmacists who have been calling out for reform to these programs for many years. It recognises measures such as HMR caps mean consultant pharmacists are unable to make a full-time living from this life-saving work,” she said.

 

“Every recommendation is important, and PSA encourages the government to implement them all.  This report provides a blueprint for programs reform,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

PSA’s pharmacy agreements lead negotiator Associate Professor Shane Jackson echoed this sentiment, emphasising the report provides a clear pathway to reform:

 

“The review’s recommendations reinforce PSA’s long-held position on pharmacist program reforms,” he said.

 

“We will be using the upcoming budget processes to progress reforms through the First Pharmacy Programs Agreement, which have now been backed by the government’s own review. These reforms need to happen, and they need to happen as soon as possible,” A/Prof Jackson concluded.

 

The report is available at Pharmacy Programs Cost Effectiveness Review – Final Report

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.