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2025-26 Federal Budget an opportunity to strengthen pharmacist care

7 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling on the Federal Government to invest in pharmacists as part of the 2025-26 Budget, supporting the pharmacists stepping up to helping ease pressure on the wider healthcare system and deliver better patient outcomes.

 

As the peak body for all pharmacists practising across Australia’s health system, PSA highlights opportunities to support pharmacists as medicine experts to improve the quality use of medicines and medicine safety in all areas of practice.

 

PSA’s submission highlights opportunities to improve patient access to equitable healthcare and medicine safety by strengthening the role of pharmacists with sustainable funding models, calling for:

  • Equitably funding pharmacist services, including annual indexation, rural and after-hours loading.
  • Lifting remuneration to align with other health professions delivering vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program.
  • Investing in First Nations health by funding the Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (IPAC) program as recommended by the Medical Services Advisory Committee.
  • Making medicines expertise and support more accessible to Australians living with chronic illness by doubling the Workforce Incentive Program funding for general practices that embed pharmacists, and funding pharmacists to participate in multidisciplinary case conferencing.
  • Further supporting professional pharmacy practice by funding measures that bring standards and guidelines in line with growing scope of practice.

 

PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, said that unlocking the full potential of pharmacists is critical to meeting the country’s growing health needs.

 

“Pharmacists are ready and willing to do more for our patients – now we need the tools and support to do so sustainably,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This budget is an opportunity to address longstanding inequalities in funding, giving pharmacists the recognition that they deserve.

 

“Every day, Australians turn to their local pharmacist for timely, expert care. With investment in services, education, and workforce sustainability, we can continue to strengthen and scale up the services we provide, improving patient access to care and reducing pressure on the health system.

 

“Our message to government is clear, invest in pharmacists, and we will deliver better health outcomes for all Australians.”

 

PSA’s 2024-25 Federal Budget submission is available in full here.

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

PSA welcomes SA’s nation-leading vaccination scope for pharmacists and calls on other states to follow

6 February 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) commends the South Australian Government for its decision to remove the regulatory shackles holding pharmacists back from fully using their skills and expertise to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases.

 

As announced today by the Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton MP, effective immediately, South Australian pharmacist immunisers can authorise and administer any vaccine within their individual scope of practice, including for the first time travel health vaccines for cholera, rabies and typhoid.

 

Similarly, the government has removed unnecessary red tape regulating age cohorts which has constrained and disincentivised service provision by pharmacists.

 

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS celebrated the announcement.

 

“From today, South Australian pharmacists will be authorised to prescribe and administer vaccines from the same vaccine formulary as every other vaccinator – the Australian Immunisation Handbook,” Dr Angley said.

 

“This will dramatically improve access and convenience for South Australians. No longer will patients need to wait for pharmacists to review unnecessarily complex legal authority to before safely authorising and administering recommended vaccines, including travel health vaccines

 

“South Australia is leading the nation in scope of pharmacist-administered vaccines, a fact that we should be very proud of.

 

“I thank Minister Picton for his confidence in our profession in supporting a more sophisticated and contemporary approach to pharmacist scope of practice. PSA has advocated for today’s changes for a number of years. I am confident in saying that today, South Australia is the envy of our pharmacist vaccinator colleagues in every other jurisdiction across the country.

 

Adding support to the announcement, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS heralded the reforms ‘nation-leading’ and called for other jurisdictions to adopt the South Australian approach.

 

“Today’s announcement in South Australia means that pharmacists will be able to prescribe and administer vaccines consistent with their skills and knowledge, rather than be held back by regulation. Regulation should enable, rather than restrict good health care provision. This approach will unlock a new level of care, and should be the standard all other states and territories aspire to,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“This is a significant and sensible step forward to improve Australians’ access to healthcare which will strengthen our healthcare system’s capacity.

 

“PSA is advocating to regulators in every other Australian jurisdiction urging for alignment of these regulatory changes in each jurisdiction to unleash the potential of pharmacists in protecting the health and wellbeing of Australians,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

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

Changes to paracetamol scheduling will reduce risk of harm to children and adolescents

31 January 2025

 

Paracetamol is one of the medicines most frequently responsible for hospital admissions due to poisoning, a new report from the peak body for Australian pharmacists has found, with approximately 16 per cent of pharmaceutical poisoning hospital admissions in children under five years of age being attributed to paracetamol.

 

The Medicine safety: Children and adolescent care report released by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia today further reveals that an estimated 93 children present to Australia’s emergency departments each day due to medicine-related problems, with approximately 40 admitted to hospitals. At least half of these incidents are preventable.

 

The report comes as federal government changes to paracetamol pack sizes come into effect, limiting the amount of paracetamol stored in Australian households and reducing the risk of intentional and unintentional harm including in children and adolescents. PSA joined Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney at Westgarth Pharmacy in Melbourne to launch the report and discuss paracetamol changes.

 

Effective from 1 February 2025, general sale pack sizes available from supermarkets or grocery stores will be reduced from 20 to 16 tablets, and Pharmacy Medicine packs will be limited to 50 tablets, with larger packs requiring pharmacist supervision (Pharmacist Only Medicine).

 

Paracetamol tablets in general sale packs and Pharmacy Medicine packs will also be required to be in blister packaging. Blister packaging can reduce overdose and impulsive attempts to self-harm by slowing the consumption of multiple tablets or capsules.

 

As the peak body for all Australian pharmacists, PSA strongly supports the move which will reduce the risk of overdose and poisoning, but there is more to be done.

 

 

 

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS:

 

“The sobering reality is that we are leaving our kids vulnerable to harm, particularly when it comes to common medicines around the house.

 

“By limiting the maximum pack sizes of paracetamol, we are opening the door to have a conversation about the risks and benefits of these medicines – both in the pharmacy and at home – and take steps as a community to promote the safe use of medicines.

 

“By involving pharmacists in the supply of larger paracetamol pack sizes, we strike the right balance between access and safety, giving pharmacists and pharmacy assistants the opportunity to help patients manage their pain effectively while reducing the risk of misuse and harm.

 

“As the peak body for all pharmacists in all areas of practice, PSA continues to advocate for pharmacists to be further empowered in their roles as medicine safety experts. This includes the recommendations PSA makes in our report, from implementing a national reporting system for medicine safety incidents, to increasing the availability of pharmacists in children’s hospital wards.

 

“It takes all of us, across health professions, communities and policymakers, to make a difference to the children and adolescents who rely on our care.”

 

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP:

 

“Each year in Australia around 225 people are hospitalised with liver injury and 50 people die from paracetamol overdose. To think of so many young lives lost is heartbreaking.

 

“The TGA’s decision to limit the size of paracetamol packs struck a balance between protecting young Australians from harm while also ensuring those in pain can access the medicine. My thanks to the TGA for its sensible and measured decision, and to the pharmacists and retailers around the country who have responded so robustly.”

 

Key findings from the Medicine safety: Children and adolescent care report:

  • Medicine-related problems in children and adolescents cost the Australian economy at least $130 million annually.
  • An estimated 93 children present to Australia’s emergency departments each day due to medicine-related problems, with approximately 40 admitted to hospitals. At least half of these incidents are preventable.
  • Paracetamol is responsible for approximately 16 per cent of pharmaceutical poisoning hospital admissions in children under five years of age.
  • Poisoning by non-opioid analgesics, antipyretics or antirheumatics was the leading cause of admission, with paracetamol accounting for at least 85% of the cases within this group.

 

The full Medicine safety: Children and adolescent care report is available here.

 

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

Assistant Minister Kearney media contact: Isabella Tilley 0414 894 040

PSA set to negotiate and sign new pharmacy programs agreement

31 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) are set to negotiate the first dedicated agreement on pharmacy programs with the Australian Government. PSA will be signatory to this agreement.

 

The agreement will cover a range of pharmacy programs that no longer sit within the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement, 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.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the agreement was an opportunity to reform programs to ensure they are fit-for-purpose, now and into the future.

 

“PSA is the recognised peak body for all pharmacists, in all areas of practice across our health system. This agreement is an opportunity to reform program rules and funding arrangements to maximise the impact of pharmacists across the health sector,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“In negotiating a standalone agreement with the Australian Government, we are advocating for the changes we have long known need to happen, allowing pharmacists to best serve our communities.

 

“Members will be aware that following PSA’s advocacy, the government confirmed in late 2024 that these programs would have ongoing funding beyond the current financial year. Now that there is security of funding for these programs, our focus turns to removing the barriers that have prevented pharmacists from playing a greater role in patient care.”

 

As signatory to the new agreement, PSA will be seeking feedback from pharmacists and stakeholders on program arrangements and barriers.

 

“I encourage every pharmacist involved in these programs to have their say so that we can provide a full picture of the barriers, challenges and opportunities for pharmacists to provide better care for patients.

 

“PSA looks forward to continuing our work with the federal government to secure a stronger pharmacy profession now and into the future,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

PSA consultant pharmacist adviser Debbie Rigby FPS also welcomed the announcement.

 

“As the home for credentialed pharmacists, it’s important that PSA is the organisation leading these discussions,” Ms Rigby said.

 

“I’m excited to be part of PSA’s team, advocating for improvements to these programs. As someone with a deep understanding of the current programs, I am committed to raising awareness of the benefits of these programs and further enhancing outcomes for patients.”

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

PSA announce intent to acquire Australasian College of Pharmacy

28 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Board has today announced plans to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy, further growing PSA’s leadership in education and training for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and technicians.

 

The Australasian College of Pharmacy (the College) is a member-based organisation developing and delivering education, training, and research programs to pharmacists and pharmacy assistants since 1976.

 

The decision to acquire the College is part of the PSA Board’s broader plan to maximise member value through growth, expanding education opportunities for the profession, and securing a long-term, sustainable future for PSA as the premier training and education provider for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians.

 

PSA’s acquisition of the College builds on its long history of high-quality, nation-leading education and training for pharmacists, allowing further investment in professional and practice support for members.

 

The PSA Board has carefully considered the impact of acquiring the College, and alongside independent advice from third-party experts the Board is confident this is the right path forward for PSA, its members, and the broader profession.

 

National President and Chair of the PSA Board Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said the acquisition will be a transformational opportunity to grow PSA’s industry-leading education and workforce development offer.

 

“The PSA Board’s strategic decision to acquire the Australasian College of Pharmacy secures a long-term future for pharmacy workforce education. It puts PSA in a stronger representative and financial position to support and advocate for our members during this pivotal time of practice change in pharmacy,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Along with the PSA Board, I fully understand the challenges pharmacists are facing, as we transition to full scope of practice and our roles become increasingly demanding.

Growing our footprint within pharmacy education means we can further invest in not only education, but also the professional and practice support PSA provides. As our profession continues to mature, this unity will provide the necessary strength our profession needs at this critical time of change to fully utilise our skills and expertise.

 

“We are ambitious about our future growth as an organisation, as the peak education and representative body for all pharmacists across all areas of practice.

 

“We look forward to being able to provide even more education opportunities and support to pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians, strengthening our pharmacy profession and ultimately improving care for our patients,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

ACP Chief Executive Officer Amanda Seeto said the College and the PSA had always shared a commitment to providing contemporary education and training in a format that is accessible, efficient, and most importantly – highly relevant to Australian pharmacists.

 

“This exciting and pragmatic change maximises the focus on world-leading professional development for Australian pharmacists, no matter their practice setting or career stage.

 

“The move will set our sector up for success, at a time when pharmacy is becoming an increasingly valued frontline health service.”

 

PSA members are set to vote on matters relating to the acquisition at an upcoming meeting.

 

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

Pharmacists ready to immunise against RSV in pregnancy

12 November 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes improved availability of federally funded maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, Abrysvo, under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), saving parents over $300 each on private immunisation costs.

 

RSV remains a leading cause of childhood hospitalisation, with around 12,000 infants admitted to hospital with severe RSV every winter. Maternal immunisation significantly reduces the risk of severe RSV disease in children in their first six months.

 

As a vaccine listed on the NIP, funding of the administration of the vaccine by community pharmacists will be covered under the NIP Vaccination in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program in participating community pharmacies.

 

However, due to an outdated regulatory approach, many states will need to amend their regulations to permit pharmacists to immunise this cohort against RSV.

 

National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed the addition of RSV vaccines to the NIP, urging governments to update regulations now to permit pharmacist immunisers to administer as soon as vaccines are available.

“PSA welcomes the inclusion of Abrysvo on the NIP as an important protection against hospitalisation or death of infants from severe RSV infection and also congratulate Minister Butler and the federal government for their leadership in limiting preventable disease in children,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Now that the vaccine has been added to the NIP, we must ensure that pregnant people are able to access it, no matter where they live.

 

“We need to move to an approach where all immunisers, including pharmacists, can initiate and administer all vaccines, as recommended by the Unleashing the Potential of the Health Workforce Scope of Practice Review.

 

“I urge all states and territories to expand immunisation authorities to allow Australians to access all vaccines they are recommended from their local pharmacist, including Abrysvo,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

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

Scope of practice report confirms barriers to care and inefficiencies in current health system – time to implement all 18 recommendations

5 November 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), the peak body representing 39,000 pharmacists across Australia’s health system, welcomes today’s release of the Unleashing the potential of our health workforce – Scope of practice review, setting out a clear pathway for health professionals to contribute more to our health system and practice to their full and top of scope.

 

The report calls for governments to remove the inconsistent barriers that restrict the scope of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS commended the report’s focus on removing barriers for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals as a critical step towards a more accessible and resilient healthcare system.

 

“This review confirms PSA’s view that inconsistent regulations, unnecessary restrictions on practice, and siloed workforces are having a negative impact on patient access to quality health care,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Pharmacists are some of the most accessible healthcare professionals in our communities, yet regulatory barriers continue to limit our ability to provide care when and where our patients need it. The release of this final report is the next step towards breaking down these barriers through a short- and long-term reform agenda, addressing the inefficiencies in our health system.”

 

Associate Professor Sim said that the report’s recommendations present a genuine opportunity to improve access to health care across Australia.

 

“There is a clear alignment between Cormack’s recommendations and the actions in PSA’s vision for the pharmacy profession, Pharmacists in 2030. Both present a clear vision for the future that requires collaboration for a health system that works for patients,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This report recognises the core role of pharmacies and pharmacists as primary healthcare providers and recommends a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

 

“In order to make the most of the opportunities presented by the report, we need governments, regulators and health care professionals to work together for a strong, sustainable health system that utilises all health professionals to their full scope.

 

​​“I urge governments and stakeholders at all levels to accept and act on the report’s recommendations in full to build a health system ready for the growing health needs of Australians.”

 

A/Prof Fei Sim served on the Cormack Review’s Expert Advisory Committee, representing the pharmacy profession. PSA looks forward to continuing to work with federal, state and territory governments to implement the report’s findings.

 

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

COVID-19 Inquiry report recognises the need for reform

30 October 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the release of the COVID-19 Response Inquiry and its recommendations, including calls for the national harmonisation of pharmacist scope of practice and better utilisation of pharmacists from the outset of a health crisis.

 

The report recognises the critical services delivered by pharmacists throughout the pandemic, particularly in the quick and effective rollout of vaccination services.

 

In response to the inquiry report, the Albanese Government has announced funding for Australia’s first Centre of Disease Control.

 

“PSA welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to establish a Centre for Disease Control as part of our national response to preventable disease and to help set our health system up to better manage health emergencies in the future,” PSA National President Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“We have long known that the skills and expertise of Australia’s pharmacists are not fully utilised in reducing the burden of preventable diseases, and that our profession can contribute more to the health of our nation.

 

“PSA continues to work with governments at all levels to optimise the role of pharmacists in our health care systems and ensure that our 39,000 pharmacists are better utilised when they’re needed most.”

 

Associate Professor Sim said it’s imperative that we reduce the red tape preventing pharmacists from boosting vaccination rates.

 

“Pharmacists can and should be better utilised as trusted health care professionals, working hand in glove with the rest of the primary care team to break down the barriers to vaccination, from improving equity and access, to amplifying public health messages and rebuilding trust.

 

“While pharmacists are delivering more vaccinations than ever before, there is still a long way to go to make vaccination standards consistent across the country, recognising that a pharmacist immuniser in one state is just as qualified as a pharmacist immuniser in another state, and should be able to provide the same vaccinations to the same subsect of patients.

 

“PSA advocates for equitable, timely and affordable access to safe healthcare for all Australians, and we advocate for all pharmacists across the country to be able to fulfil our role as primary healthcare providers, to deliver all vaccines to patients of all ages, under a nationally consistent vaccination schedule to meet real health needs of our patients.

 

“Our health system needs all immunisers to play a role in delivering vaccines wherever there is a patient need, whether a GP, nurse practitioner or pharmacist.”

 

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

Celebrating Australia’s pharmacy technicians and assistants

15 October 2024

 

Today, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) proudly celebrates Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants Day, recognising Australia’s dedicated pharmacy support staff who work tirelessly to ensure smooth operations and enhance the quality of care we deliver to patients every day – particularly in rural and regional areas.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS emphasised the critical role that pharmacy technicians and assistants play in supporting clinical services.

 

“As the scope of practice for many pharmacists continues to expand, the role of pharmacy assistants and technicians is becoming even more integral to everything we do. From administrative or backend support to direct patient interactions, their contribution to the overall team capacity and efficiency is invaluable,” she said.

 

Pharmacy technicians and assistants are not only involved in the operational aspects of pharmacy practice; they are increasingly taking direct responsibilities to support the role of pharmacists in clinical settings.

 

“The clinical support that technicians and assistants provide allows pharmacists to extend their focus to undertaking clinical roles and practising to their full and top of scope, including in the long term management of diseases, preventive health services, and complex medication therapy,” Associate Professor Sim added. “Their contributions are vital to the seamless integration of clinical services in our pharmacies, ultimately improving health outcomes for our communities.”

 

Associate Professor Sim encouraged all pharmacists to take a moment today to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of their technicians and assistants. “Whether through a formal recognition event or simply a kind word of appreciation, today is a day to show our gratitude for their vital role in the pharmacy profession,” she said.

 

On this Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants Day, the PSA extends its heartfelt thanks to all pharmacy support staff for their tireless efforts and commitment to improving the health and well-being of Australians.

 

 

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

Empowering pharmacists to meet Australia’s health needs

25 September 2024

Marking World Pharmacists Day today (25 September), Australia’s peak body for pharmacists the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) reaffirms the key actions that form its flagship vision Pharmacists in 2030, highlighting the growing role of Australia’s pharmacists in meeting health needs.

 

Pharmacists around Australia and the world are responding to health challenges every day. Whether this be improving access to essential medicines, vaccination services and health advice, or optimising medicine use for safety and efficacy, pharmacists are on the frontlines of Australia’s health care system every day.

 

Last month PSA released Pharmacists in 2030, mapping the direction of the pharmacy profession over the coming years. Pharmacists in 2030 further identifies the key areas for reform in both practice and workforce development necessary to meet the health challenges of the future.

 

Pharmacists in 2030 continues a strong focus on medicine safety and improving access to care and medicines, also building an increased focus on patient equity, sustainability and supports which empower pharmacists to be the best they can be.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that the future PSA sees further harnesses the potential of pharmacists.

 

“Australians need the expertise of pharmacists more than ever before,” Associate Professor Sim said. “As medicine use continues to grow and our population ages, Australian health needs are becoming more complex.”

 

“PSA sees pharmacists in all areas of practice doing more to meet these health challenges, and supported to do more for their patients or the communities they serve.

 

“By 2030, we see community pharmacy formally recognised as a preventive and primary health care hub where pharmacists are appropriately funded to practise to full and top of scope and play a greater role in preventive health care, treatment of acute illnesses and management of chronic health conditions – particularly through an increased prescribing role.

 

“While most community pharmacies will remain broad in their health offering to the community, some will become more specialised and focused to meet specific needs.

 

“Many of these changes are already well underway with various scope of practice pilots and changes occurring in every state and territory. These innovations and initiatives have been driven by real patient need and health system demand.

 

“We also see the need for pharmacists wherever medicines are prescribed, dispensed, administered or reviewed. This means playing a bigger role in multidisciplinary health care teams.

 

“Some of these roles will be relevant to community pharmacists, particularly in outreach services, others will see pharmacists embedded in these teams, often being a key conduit to reduce medicine safety risks in liaison with a patient’s community pharmacy.

 

“To the 38,000 pharmacists practising around the country, make sure you take a moment to celebrate your contribution to the health and wellbeing of your community this World Pharmacy Week and particularly today on World Pharmacists Day. On behalf of PSA, thank you for all that you do,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

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