Political
‘This is an area to make haste slowly’
A Labor MP has used his daughter’s DVT – as well as her conception – to illustrate his concerns about pharmacists initiating oral contraceptives This week (Monday, 23 March 2026) …
Middle East conflict unlikely to fuel immediate meds shortages: Guild
Guild keen to avoid Iran war-induced panic-buying of essential medicines Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president, Professor Trent Twomey, is advising patients not to stockpile medicines in response to the ongoing conflict in …
Full scope services need owner buy-in: Twomey
Government needs to see pharmacies delivering on expanded scope before they will fund new services, Guild president says Pharmacy owners are being urged to embrace full scope of practice services to ensure …
Full scope feasibility gap in remote practice
“It is time to stop pretending that what works in a major city suburb will work in a small rural or remote town,” rural pharmacy group says Current funding models …
Junior partners scapegoats for others’ poor decisions
Guild leader flags concerns over corporate ownership structures following Infinity Pharmacy Group collapse Putting profits ahead of patients “a recipe for disaster in healthcare”, Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president, Professor …
New pharmacy applications soar post 60-days: Butler
Government reported “almost 300” applications for new pharmacies since it announced plans to implement 60-day prescriptions Despite warnings that pharmacies would close as a result of the decision to introduce 60-day dispensing, interest …
‘This is a terrific improvement to access and affordability’
Government moves to fulfil promised subsidised pharmacist prescribing pilot From 1 January 2027, women will be able to access government-funded pharmacist-prescribed oral contraceptives and antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs). Federal …
Government moves on contraception pilot
Federal government to subsidise pharmacist-initiated oral contraceptives from 1 January 2027 Female concession cardholders aged 18-55 years will be able to access pharmacist-prescribed oral contraceptives and antibiotics to treat uncomplicated urinary tract …
No trading dispensing fees for full scope: Twomey
Guild warns it will step away from its pursuit of full scope of practice if dispensing remuneration becomes a bargaining chip Dispensing fees must not be sacrificed to expand pharmacists’ scope …
PSA seeks ‘targeted support of GP-based pharmacists’
Government urged to double funding under the Workforce Incentive Payment (WIP) program to support pharmacists working in general practice The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling on the federal …
Union calls for reproductive health leave
Implementing a 12-day reproductive health leave policy could save businesses close to $2 billion a year, researchers say The federal government is being urged to make reproductive health leave a national employment standard to …
GPs seek rural funding
RACGP calls for $10 million investment to “increase exposure to rural general practice for urban GPs”, to bolster access to care in “underserved” communities Funding a national ‘pathways to rural’ program …