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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.

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

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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.”

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

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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.

 

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

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PSA announces Community of Specialty Interest for Hospital Pharmacists

21 January 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) announces its Hospital Pharmacy Practice Community of Specialty Interest (CSI), a new forum focussed on strengthening support for pharmacists practising in Australia’s hospitals.

 

The Hospital Pharmacy Practice CSI is dedicated to improving care in hospitals, including embedding pharmacists within healthcare teams, facilitating pharmacist prescribing within collaborative care models and improving pharmacist stewardship of medicine management to improve outcomes of transitions of care.

 

Led by an experienced team of hospital pharmacy leaders, the CSI addresses emerging practice needs through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

 

Hospital pharmacists now have access to a members-only Facebook group where they can connect with the CSI, with a dedicated online webinar to be hosted in early 2025.

 

Leading hospital pharmacist Professor Michael Dooley MPS has been appointed to chair the new CSI.

 

On behalf of the PSA Board, National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed and thanked Professor Michael Dooley for leading this important work.

 

“The establishment of this CSI is a testament to PSA’s ongoing commitment to all pharmacists as the peak body representing pharmacists across all areas of practice”

 

PSA Chief Executive Officer Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris emphasised the importance of leadership in evolving areas of pharmacy practice.

 

“PSA has heard members’ feedback and are moving to provide more support for pharmacists practising in hospitals. We’re excited to welcome Professor Dooley as Chair of the Hospital Pharmacists CSI, where he will work with us to develop a package of support tailored to the needs of pharmacists practicing in this setting.

 

“Hospital pharmacists have unique experiences in practice and face evolving unique challenges. PSA is proud to continue strengthening our representation of hospital pharmacists with the extensive experience and expertise of Michael and the CSI leadership group.”

 

Hospital Pharmacy Practice CSI Chair Professor Michael Dooley MPS said: “Every day in Australia there are over 24,000 presentations to emergency departments   30,000 admissions into hospital and 100,000 patients receiving non-admitted care through hospitals. Pharmacists have a crucial role in the care of these patients especially as they transition between settings and services.

 

“I am excited to be part of this great initiative and look forward to working alongside such an experienced team at the PSA to help inform and shape the future for hospital pharmacy practice.”

 

The Hospital Pharmacy Practice CSI is an exclusive community for PSA members. The CSI leadership team are set to host a webinar in early 2025 to formally introduce the CSI and its program of work.

 

Chaired by Professor Michael Dooley, the Hospital Pharmacy Practice CSI is led by:

  • Choi-Ling Batten
  • Professor Ian Coombes
  • Lauren Fraser
  • Hannah Knowles
  • Associate Professor Sue Kirsa
  • Richard Marotti
  • Professor Lisa Nissen
  • Associate Professor Bhavini Patel
  • Prasin Rodrigues

 

For more information and to join the new community, visit www.psa.org.au/communities-of-specialty-interest/hospital-pharmacists-csi/

 

About Hospital Pharmacy Practice CSI Chair Professor Michael Dooley MPS

 

Professor Michael Dooley is an experienced clinical pharmacist and leader. His career has focused in the acute healthcare sector and has spanned special clinical roles in oncology through to senior leadership positions within health services. He has led a wide range of initiatives progressing improvement in medication use and clinical pharmacy practice in Australia including development of profession standards of practice and formal training programs. 

 

Having practised across cardiology and oncology before becoming a senior oncology pharmacist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and then appointed as Director of Pharmacy He undertook research into medicine use in oncology which became the focus of his PhD, and in 2005 he became the Director of Pharmacy at Alfred Health in Melbourne and the inaugural Chair of Clinical Pharmacy of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Monash University. In this role he has led the development and implementation of a range of innovative pharmacist led practice models spanning inpatient and ambulatory settings.

 

Professor Dooley contributes to many national and local professional committees and working parties related to improving the delivery of quality health care services. Michael has also worked with many health services within Australia and overseas in implementing services to improve medication use, transition of care and uptake of innovative pharmacy services.

 

Professor Dooley is a former President of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists (SHPA).

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

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Pill testing will save lives this summer

23 December 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes boosted accessibility of pill testing this summer, with New South Wales joining Victoria and the ACT in offering pill testing services.

 

PSA supports drug checking as a method of harm reduction and broadly supports the availability of drug checking services at events like music festivals and at fixed sites.

 

A 2023 evaluation of ACT drug checking service CanTEST revealed only 53% of substances tested matched the expected drug. For those where an additional drug, a different drug or an inconclusive result was found, one-third reported that they ‘definitely will not’ use the drug.1

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said PSA has long advocated for expanded drug checking services, with harm minimisation being an essential principle of Australia’s National Drug Strategy since 1985.

 

“Having drug checking services available is key to reducing the harm of illicit substances,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“Drug checking or pill testing is not about telling consumers ‘this substance is safe’, but about allowing them to make an informed decision about the risks of the substances they have.

 

“Every summer we see young people lose their lives at events around the country because they didn’t know what was in the drugs they were taking.

 

“The evidence is overwhelming – pill testing and drug checking saves lives.

 

“But importantly it is also an opportunity for a health professional to provide tailored support and information on illicit drug use and harm.

 

“PSA supports further expansion of drug testing, further investing in trials and research to support evidence-based, informed decisions about pill testing.”

 

1 Olsen A, Baillie G, Bruno R, McDonald D, Hammoud M, Peacock A (2023). CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service Program Evaluation: Final Report. Australian National University: Canberra, ACT

 

 

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

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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.

 

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

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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.”

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

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PSA set to launch renewed vision for profession at national conference

31 July 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is thrilled to announce Pharmacists in 2030, its vision for the future of the pharmacy profession, will be launched this weekend at the PSA24 National Conference by Federal Health Minister, the Hon. Mark Butler MP.

 

A culmination of deep consultation with pharmacists, consumers and other health stakeholders, Pharmacists in 2030 describes how the care pharmacists provide will change over the next 6 years through the lens of both pharmacists and patients.

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“The release of Pharmacists in 2023 back in 2019 was the first time that a clear vision and framework was developed to unlock the full potential of pharmacists in supporting the health and wellbeing of Australians,” said PSA National President, Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS.

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“Hand-in-glove with the profession we have realised much of this vision, but there is still a long way to go.

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“We are now set to launch the next phase of this vision, Pharmacists in 2030, cementing the core role of pharmacists in medicines expertise and emphasising the ability of pharmacists to improve patient care.

 

“The growing expectations of our patients came through very strongly in our consumer consultation. Consumers have a very high level of trust in pharmacists, and they want us to do more.

 

“As the health needs of Australians continue to grow and become more complex, it is critical that our profession grows too. Pharmacists in 2030 is a roadmap that will guide the path forward to 2030, and beyond,” Associate Professor Sim concluded.

 

The launch of Pharmacists in 2030 will be a highlight of the PSA24 National Conference, where attendees will hear from national and global pharmacy leaders and connect with pharmacy colleagues from around Australia.

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

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Australians urged to speak to pharmacists as health misinformation grows

24 July 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is today encouraging Australians to leave behind the advice of unverified websites and online influencers and instead visit their local pharmacist for accurate health information as it marks International Self-Care Day.

 

With the increasing availability of unverified and often inappropriate ‘health hacks’ online, PSA recognises the increasingly important role of pharmacists in tackling online misinformation while empowering Australians to be active agents in their own healthcare.

 

As a member Australia Self-Care Alliance PSA promotes the adoption of self-care through pharmacists, maintaining a suite of over 100 Self-Care Fact Cards to provide evidence-based health information to consumers.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that misinformation can risk the health and wellbeing of Australians.

 

“Appropriate self-care does not replace the care provided by professionals, but enhances it,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“Self-care is important as part of keeping yourself and your family healthy, but more and more often we’re seeing consumers getting health information from social media, which is often not based in evidence, and in some cases can be very dangerous.

 

“Pharmacists are registered health professionals who give evidence-based health advice to Australians. Instead of trusting social media influencers and the internet, I strongly encourage patients to speak with their local pharmacist about their health concerns where we can give you accurate health information or refer you on to the right healthcare provider.

 

“Today’s International Self-Care Day is a great reminder not only to look after your health and wellbeing, but also of the importance of following accurate health information,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

More information on self-care is available via the World Health Organization.

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Pharmacists are encouraged to read the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) resource Empowering self-care: A handbook for pharmacists

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

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Pharmacists mark NAIDOC Week

8 July 2024

 

This week, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges NAIDOC Week from 7 to 14 July 2024, celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

The theme of NAIDOC Week 2024 is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.

 

In the spirit of continued learning, PSA continues to encourage all pharmacists practising in Australia to undertake the Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training Program developed in co-design with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), growing the cultural knowledge and understanding that underpins quality health care.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS reaffirmed the role of pharmacists in recognising and implementing culturally safe care.

 

“All healthcare professionals have a responsibility to provide health care that is culturally responsive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians,” Associate Professor Sim said.

 

“This NAIDOC Week, PSA once again recognises the important role pharmacists can play in closing the gap and improving health outcomes for First Nations people.”

 

“PSA’s longstanding commitment to culturally safe health care continues to grow, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to promote a truly patient-centred model of care that recognises and works with – not against – our patients’ cultures.

 

“We continue to advocate for permanent funding for the integration of pharmacists into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health services following a positive MSAC recommendation in 2023. This model of care has been proven to make a significant improvement to the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

 

The Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training Program is free and available to all Australian pharmacists. PSA encourages all pharmacists interacting with patients to make a commitment to undertake the training this NAIDOC Week, gaining a better understanding of the health needs of First Nations people.

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Additionally, pharmacists who are looking to gain the new MMR credential can upload their certificate of completion of the Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training program as evidence of APC Performance Outcome 1.1, demonstrating their learning in the area of promoting, maintaining and advocating for cultural safety, respect and responsiveness in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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

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In the spirit of reconciliation, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were our first pharmacists.

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