PSA searching for its first Harm Reduction Champion
19 June 2026
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has opened Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for its first PSA Harm Reduction Champion, who will act as a national spokesperson, advocating for and supporting PSA’s work in policy, professional practice, and community engagement.
The PSA are seeking EOIs from passionate pharmacists looking to do more to support patients accessing harm reduction services such as opioid dependence therapy (ODT), the administration of long-acting injectable buprenorphine, naloxone access, and needle and syringe programs.
Supported by a grant from Camurus, the PSA Harm Reduction Champion aims to elevate pharmacist leadership in harm reduction and strengthen the profession’s role in improving access to care, reducing stigma, and supporting safer health outcomes for the community.
PSA National President, Professor Mark Naunton MPS, said pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring the safe provision of harm reduction services on the frontline.
“Pharmacists have an important role to play in harm reduction, through improving access to essential services such as ODT, take-home naloxone, and needle and syringe programs, but there is still more to be done to support the equitable access to these services,” Professor Naunton said.
“This is why we’re looking for a pharmacist who is making a real impact in their community, and ready to help lead the conversations, support their communities, and advocate for expanded access to care through the PSA Harm Reduction Champion initiative.
“If this sounds like you, or someone you know, I encourage you to submit an EOI to become PSA’s first Harm Reduction Champion.”
Dr Annie Madden AO, Executive Director of Harm Reduction Australia, welcomed the PSA Harm Reduction Champion initiative as an important step in further strengthening pharmacists’ leadership in harm reduction.
“Pharmacists play a vital role in improving access to harm reduction services, and this new advocacy approach will hopefully inspire more pharmacists to engage in this highly rewarding area of practice, further expanding access to services that reduce harm, save lives, and strengthen the health and wellbeing of communities across Australia.”
EOIs are open to all PSA members and close 30 June 2026.
Pharmacists interested in becoming the 2026 PSA Harm Reduction Champion can submit an EOI at: https://forms.office.com/r/LqVSZ8Z6Pt
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.
