Getting to the heart of palliative care: PSA launches new community of practice

11 May 2026

 

In support of National Palliative Care Week (10-16 May), the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is launching its new Palliative Care Community of Practice (COP) in collaboration with Palliative Care Australia, Ageing Australia, and caring@home, recognising the essential role that pharmacists play in providing timely, compassionate end-of-life care. 

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the Palliative Care COP was designed to support pharmacists to optimise medication management and to ensure patients receive quality end-of-life care that is safe, effective, and respectful. 

  

“Following the success of PSA’s ASPIRE Palliative Care Foundation Training Program, we are delighted to launch our new COP and equip pharmacists with the skills and support they need to deliver compassionate palliative care services,” Professor Naunton said. 

  

“The community of practice will bring pharmacists from all practice settings and career stages together to discuss real-world cases, build confidence in delivering palliative care, and learn from clinical experts, such as the newly appointed Palliative Care COP Chair, Penny Tuffin FPS. 

  

“I have no doubt Penny will do a fantastic job in this role. Her long-standing commitment to advancing the role of pharmacists in palliative care makes her the perfect person to chair this group.” 

  

COP Chair, Penny Tuffin FPS, said she was thrilled to lead PSA’s new Palliative Care COP.  

  

“Pharmacists are uniquely placed to support patients and families at one of the most challenging times of their lives, and this requires not only clinical knowledge, but empathy, compassion and confidence,” Ms Tuffin said. 

  

“I am excited to be part of the new palliative care COP to connect with, engage, and empower pharmacists who are interested in or involved in delivering palliative care medicines. 

  

“I look forward to working with the PSA and the Palliative Care COP to strengthen the role of pharmacists in palliative and end-of-life care.” 

 

The Palliative Care COP is supported by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing through the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology Commonwealth Funding. 

 

More information about the Palliative Care COP can be accessed here: https://www.psa.org.au/palliative-care-community-of-practice/  

 

 

 

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 branch committee election results

6 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has today announced the results of the recent PSA Branch Committee elections. 

 

The elected officials bring diverse knowledge, experience, and skills that will further support the pharmacy profession as they represent their states and territories. 

 

The PSA wishes to thank all members who nominated and extends their sincerest congratulations to the elected PSA State and Territory Branch Committee officials. 

 

The three-year term commences on 1 July 2026, with the elected officials serving until 30 June 2029. 

  

ACT Elected Officials  

• Brad BUTT FPS 

• Olivia COLLENETTE MPS 

• Erin COOPER MPS 

• Ben GILBERT MPS 

• Andrew KELLY MPS 

• Jessica LEUNG MPS 

• Jacqueline LOCKLEY MPS 

• Alicia MARTIN MPS 

• Andrew MATTHEWS MPS 

• Mark NAUNTON MPS 

• Kirolos WASEF MPS 

 

NSW Elected Officials 

• Anna BARWICK FPS 

• Helen BENSON MPS 

• Karen CARTER FPS 

• Jack COLLINS FPS 

• Simone DIAMANDIS FPS 

• Caroline DIAMANTIS FPS 

• Sharon DOOLAN FPS 

• Luke KELLY FPS 

• Nicholas LOGAN FPS 

• Rebekah MOLES FPS 

• Krysti-Lee PATTERSON MPS 

• Lily PHAM MPS 

 

QLD Elected Officials  

• Michael ALLEN MPS 

• Sue CARSON MPS 

• James BUCKLEY MPS 

• Emma CONWAY MPS 

• Kate GUNTHORPE MPS 

• Andrew HALE MPS 

• Shane MACDONALD FPS 

• Jessica MELDRUM MPS 

• Tim ROBERTS MPS 

• Hung TRAN MPS 

• Karla WRIGHT MPS 

• Lakis (Lucky) ZENIOU MPS 

 

SA/NT Elected Officials 

• Jaimee ANDERSON MPS 

• Adam FORREST MPS 

• Lauren FRASER MPS 

• Jack JANETZKI MPS 

• Naga Akhil PUTLURU MPS 

• Rebecca ROGERS MPS 

• Veronika SEDA MPS 

• Natalie SOULSBY FPS 

• Jackie TOTMAN MPS 

• Raymond TRUONG MPS 

 

TAS Elected Officials  

• Millicent (Milli) BOROWICZ MPS 

• Nicole DILWORTH MPS 

• Declan FAHEY MPS 

• Joanne GROSS MPS 

• Lucy MUIR WILSON MPS 

• Ilwoo PARK MPS 

• David PEACHEY MPS 

• Lucy ROWELL MPS 

• Angus THOMPSON FPS 

• Mackenzie WILLIAMS MPS  

 

VIC Elected Officials 

• Atinuke (Tinu) ABRAHAM FPS 

• Yvette ANDERSON MPS 

• Joshua COOPER MPS 

• Amanda CROSS FPS 

• David FROON MPS 

• Deborah HAWTHORNE FPS 

• Catherine NGUYEN MPS 

• Kellie SAUNDERS MPS 

• Brooke SHELLY FPS 

• Julie STEVENS MPS 

• Kate WANG MPS 

• Pene WOOD MPS 

 

WA Elected Officials  

• Craig CLARK MPS 

• Michael HEWSON MPS 

• Kathy HOW MPS 

• Shaylee MILLS MPS 

• Phuong NGUYEN MPS 

• Ayomide (Mide) OGUNDIPE MPS 

• Rhiannon PRICE MPS 

• Kristian RAY MPS 

• Lusi SHEEHAN MPS 

• Fei SIM FPS 

 

 

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. 

Leading pharmacists recognised at PSA Tasmanian Pharmacist Awards

2 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has recognised the outstanding contribution, leadership, and dedication of Tasmania’s pharmacists, who have demonstrated excellence across various stages of the profession, at the 2026 PSA Tasmanian Pharmacist Awards.

 

The 2026 award recipients are: 

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Anne Todd FPS 

• Pharmacist of the Year – Gilian Pugh MPS 

• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Millicent (Milli) Borowicz MPS 

• Intern Pharmacist of the Year – Corey Bowden MPS 

 

 

PSA Tasmanian President, Joanne Gross MPS, congratulated the recipients for their dedication to improving the health of Tasmanians and their positive representation on behalf of the pharmacy workforce.

 

“Tonight’s recipients are incredibly deserving of their recognition, whether they have dedicated their lifetime to serving the profession and the Tasmanian community or they’re newcomers to the profession as interns or early career pharmacists,” Ms Gross said. 

 

“Their professionalism and compassion reflect the pharmacy profession at its best and are the reason why the community trusts pharmacists as their local medicines experts. On behalf of PSA and the entire pharmacy profession, congratulations to our Tasmanian winners.”

 

 

Anne Todd FPS has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her sustained and significant impact in ensuring pharmacists and other health professionals in Northern Tasmania, and beyond, have consistent access to high-quality professional learning opportunities.

 

Anne’s dedication to the profession spans several decades, having held roles in governance, education, and mentoring pharmacists and health professionals throughout their careers. Recently, she has been instrumental in the success of the Northern Campus of the University of Tasmania’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, enabling students to study locally and increasing the region’s healthcare workforce.  

 

 

Pharmacist of the Year, Gillian Pugh MPS, has been recognised for her exceptional commitment to medicine safety and access to care, delivering Home Medicines Reviews across North East Tasmania. 

 

In a rural health system where services can often feel strained and stretched, Gill brings enthusiasm and professionalism that exemplify community care. Her diligence and deep commitment to patient safety make Gill an indispensable partner in clinical practice, setting a benchmark for collaborative, patient-centred pharmacy practice.  

 

 

Millicent (Milli) Borowicz MPS, was named the Early Career Pharmacist of the Year for her enthusiastic, thoughtful approach to healthcare delivery in rural Tasmania.

 

Milli actively engages with her community to identify and rectify gaps in healthcare access on the Tasman Peninsula. She advocates for change on behalf of her patients and takes every opportunity to expand the range of services available to meet the community’s needs.  

 

 

The Intern Pharmacist of the Year award was presented to Corey Bowden MPS, for his strong leadership and positive influence on the health of his patients. 

 

Corey is passionate about preventative health, working with patients to understand and overcome concerns to increase vaccination rates. During his intern year, he mentored pharmacy students and other interns, demonstrating his commitment to professional growth for his team, the broader pharmacy profession, and himself.

 

 

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.

Rural leadership, emerging talent, and lifelong service celebrated at PSA WA Pharmacist Awards

1 May 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has tonight announced the winners of the PSA Western Australian (WA) Pharmacist Awards, recognising outstanding pharmacists who have demonstrated excellence in their practice and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for their communities.

 

The 2026 award recipients are: 

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Celia Sansom MPS 

• Pharmacist of the Year – Amanda Bryce MPS 

• Early Career Pharmacist of the Year – Shaylee Mills MPS 

• Intern Pharmacist of the Year – Emma Engelke MPS 

 

PSA WA President, Kristian Ray MPS, congratulated tonight’s recipients, recognising their contributions to patient care, professional leadership, and their influence on the future of the pharmacy profession. 

 

“The WA pharmacist awards celebrate excellence across pharmacy practice. From interns to established pharmacists, these individuals are shaping the future of pharmacy and strengthening patient care across the state. 

 

“On behalf of PSA, I’m proud to recognise and celebrate the WA award winners – Celia, Amanda, Shaylee, and Emma. Congratulations to you all!”  

 

 

Celia Sansom MPS has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her continued contributions to the pharmacy profession through leadership, governance, and education.

 

Celia’s career spans decades of unwavering service to advancing the pharmacy profession in Western Australia and overseas. She was an instrumental figure in implementing professional services models in community pharmacy and remains dedicated to supporting patients in the rural town of Narrogin. 

 

 

Pharmacist of the Year, Amanda Bryce MPS, has been recognised for her significant service to pharmacy practice, education, and workforce development in Western Australia.

 

With a breadth of experience spanning community pharmacy, aged care, consultant pharmacy, and academia, Amanda is well respected among her colleagues, students, and patients. Her mentorship and innovation have strengthened pharmacist capability across Western Australia and advanced patient-centred models of care that improve access, safety, and health outcomes for her community. 

 

 

The rural pharmacist, Shaylee Mills MPS, was named the Early Career Pharmacist of the Year for her demonstrated leadership in rural practice, professional advocacy, and mentorship.

 

Shaylee is widely known for her passion and commitment to improving access to care in regional centres, emphasising the important role pharmacists play in these communities. She is a strong advocate for contemporary pharmacy practice and early career pharmacists across Australia. 

 

 

The Intern Pharmacist of the Year award was presented to Emma Engelke MPS, for her commitment to patient care and contributions to workforce development during her internship in remote Western Australia.

 

As a proud Kija woman from East Kimberley, Emma demonstrates outstanding initiative in providing culturally safe care and increasing community engagement. Her leadership, professionalism, and passion embody the values of a pharmacist deserving of this award.  

 

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. 

Pharmacists urge Telehealth reinstatement amid worsening fuel crisis

April 23 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is urging the Federal Government to immediately reinstate Telehealth for Home Medicines Reviews (HMRs) as the current fuel shortage is beginning to impact patient care.

 

Thousands of credentialed pharmacists throughout Australia routinely travel to patient homes to provide HMRs, but with petrol prices skyrocketing and pumps running dry, pharmacists say people will die if they can’t access this lifesaving service, particularly those in rural and remote communities.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the reinstatement of Telehealth is vital to patient health.

 

“Credentialed pharmacists are driving hundreds of kilometres every week, visiting homes and aged care facilities, supporting our most vulnerable Australians as they conduct medication reviews,” he said.

 

“These pharmacists are visiting patients battling terminal illness and those living with chronic disease, many of them elderly and isolated.

 

“The support these patients need, such as medication reviews, is becoming rapidly unsustainable amid the current fuel crisis, unless the government reinstates Telehealth.

 

“We know Telehealth worked effectively and efficiently during the COVID-19 pandemic, so why not now?”

 

Credentialed pharmacist from Queensland, Karalyn Huxhagen FPS, who regularly drives long distances visiting patients in rural centres, says Telehealth must be brought back as a matter of urgency.

 

“The fuel crisis has made it impossible to deliver medication reviews in Western Queensland, and with no increase to the travel allowance for several years, the cost of travel and accommodation has made the program non-viable,” Ms Huxhagen said.

 

“On top of the cost, the inability to access fuel consistently is a constant concern, as I am providing services to tiny communities and all deliveries have been reduced in the current economic environment.

 

“I cannot maintain a program at a loss. I am a sole contractor who must now close my business and leave patients without the medication support service that has been in place since 1998.”

 

Gippsland pensioner, John Maugher, is heavily reliant on his local credentialed pharmacist as he is virtually housebound, living with complex, chronic health issues and being legally blind.

 

“A Telehealth appointment to keep tabs on my health if reinstated as a temporary measure would alleviate my increasing distress and feelings of isolation,” said Mr Maugher.

 

“It is also unfair on Australians who live outside cities and don’t have access to other forms of support.”

 

The reinstatement of Telehealth is part of a broader suite of reforms the PSA is advocating for to ensure all Australians receive fair and equitable access to care.

 

 

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. 

WA pharmacists set to diagnose and deliver 17 additional conditions

21 April 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed the Western Australian Government’s commitment to expand the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot, supporting qualified pharmacists in diagnosing and treating an additional 17 common conditions, such as acne, asthma, and shingles.  

 

The $4.1 million investment to subsidise training for an additional 200 pharmacists will significantly improve access to healthcare, particularly in regional areas where primary care access is limited.  

 

PSA WA Branch President, Kristian Ray MPS, said the announcement will mean more pharmacists can provide more services to Western Australians sooner: 

 

“We know empowering pharmacists to do more improves access to healthcare, reduces patient wait times, while maintaining strong levels of patient safety. Western Australians have seen this first-hand through the programs for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and resupply of oral contraception,” Mr Ray said.  

 

“This investment will help Western Australian pharmacists meet the growing health needs of their communities as they eagerly await qualification to deliver high-quality care for these 17 conditions for their patients. 

 

“PSA is working with the government to have PSA’s educational offering included as an additional option for WA Pharmacists. We thank Minister Hammat and the WA State Government for their commitment to developing the pharmacist workforce.” 

 

The PSA looks forward to supporting Western Australian pharmacists in achieving the qualifications needed to deliver high-quality care to their patients and local communities.  

 

 

 

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 free RSV vaccinations

20 April 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has commended the Federal Government on its decision to make the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Arexvy, available and free of charge for older Australians.

 

All Australians aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians aged 60 and over, can access the vaccine free of charge from 15 May through their local pharmacy or other health provider.

 

RSV is a very common and highly contagious illness that starts with cold-like symptoms. Older people, especially those in contact with younger relatives who often contract and spread the virus, are particularly vulnerable to developing severe symptoms and other medical complications.

 

PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said the decision by the Federal Government will safeguard the health of many Australians who, without this vaccine, could face severe illness, hospitalisation, or death. 

 

“The vaccine provides strong protection against RSV, protection that we have not had a vaccine for until recently,” he said.  

 

“Older Australians who receive their RSV vaccine will be protected not just this winter, but for many winters, as this vaccine provides protection against this potentially debilitating illness for a number of years.

 

“Until being added to the National Immunisation Program, the vaccine was costing older patients around $300. Removing this cost will go a long way toward protecting the respiratory health of those most at-risk of severe RSV and its complications.”

 

The RSV vaccine can be provided by pharmacist immunisers at community pharmacies, local GP clinics, aged care and community centres and will be readily available in the coming weeks. 

 

 

 

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 new Victorian Minister for Health

15 April 2026

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has congratulated the Hon. Harriet Shing MP on her appointment as Victoria’s new Minister for Health, following today’s ministerial reshuffle announced by Premier Jacinta Allan.

 

PSA Victorian President, Atinuke Abraham FPS, welcomed the appointment and said PSA looks forward to working constructively with Minister Shing to strengthen the state’s health system and improve access to high‑quality pharmacist care for all Victorians.

 

“We congratulate Minister Shing on her appointment to the health portfolio and welcome the opportunity to work with her as she takes on this critical role,” Ms Abraham said. 

 

“Victoria’s pharmacists are a trusted and highly accessible part of the healthcare workforce, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for policies that support expanded scope of practice, a sustainable workforce, and better integration of pharmacists across primary care, hospitals, and aged care.” 

 

The PSA also acknowledged and thanked the outgoing Minister for Health, the Hon. Mary‑Anne Thomas MP, for her leadership and commitment to the health system during a period of significant challenge and reform.

 

“Mary‑Anne Thomas has made an important contribution to Victoria’s health system, particularly through the ongoing recovery from the COVID‑19 pandemic, and work to improve health system resilience,” Ms Abraham said. 

 

“PSA particularly thanks Minister Thomas for her engagement with the pharmacy profession on scope of practice initiatives, such as pharmacist-led vaccination and the community pharmacy statewide prescribing pilot, which has become the permanent care under the banner of Chemist Care Now.

 

“PSA looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Minister Shing and the Victorian Government to ensure pharmacists are empowered to do more to improve medicine safety, supporting preventive health, and deliver timely care closer to where people live,” Ms Abraham concluded. 

 

 

 

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. 

Needle-free influenza vaccine now available in WA

14 April 2026

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is urging parents to protect their kids against influenza, with the needle-free influenza vaccine for children now available.

 

As announced today by the Western Australian State Government, children aged 2-11 years can access FluMist, the intranasal influenza vaccine, through their local pharmacy as part of the government’s 2026 WA Winter Strategy. 

 

With 130,000 doses available across the state, the program is expected to increase influenza vaccination among young children, particularly those with needle anxiety, to reduce the spread of influenza this winter.

 

PSA WA Branch President, Kristian Ray MPS, said the announcement would be a game-changer for many families.

 

“Pharmacists are widely recognised as the most accessible healthcare professionals, continuing to do their part in delivering vaccinations safely across Western Australia,” he said.

 

“Every year, Australians aged over 6 months are recommended to receive their flu vaccination, including children who are especially vulnerable to severe influenza.

 

“Giving parents and patients the choice to receive a cost-free, needle-free vaccination through community pharmacies will make it easier for families to protect their children ahead of flu season. 

 

“Providing alternative vaccination methods will protect our children and reduce pressure on the broader health system during peak influenza season.” 

 

In WA, eligible people can already access no-cost vaccination under the National Immunisation Program via their local pharmacy. The free WA government-funded influenza vaccine program for all other West Australians will commence on 1 May. 

 

Needle-free vaccines are now available across Western Australia. Visit your local pharmacy to book in now. 

 

 

 

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.