Political
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 …
RACGP seeks pharmacist funding
Doctors call for close to $127 million in dedicated funding for general practice-based pharmacists The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is calling on the federal government to deliver “targeted support for …
Rural pharmacy needs ‘nuanced policy’
Fresh thinking needed to better support the seven million Australians living outside major metropolitan centres, a remote pharmacists’ group says Policymakers are being urged to shift their focus locally embedded, …
Aged care change ‘can’t lose’ momentum: PSA
Australia needs a new aged care facility to be opened every three days to manage soaring demand, health minister says – and one leading pharmacist says the sector has been …
No rolling back on scope: SA Liberals
South Australia’s shadow minister for health and wellbeing clarifies stance on pharmacists’ scope following Guild criticism There will be no winding back of pharmacists’ scope of practice if the Liberal Party …
Guild hits out at ‘backwards comments’
South Australia’s shadow health minister is being accused of being “shockingly misinformed” after voicing opposition to expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice Pharmacy Guild of Australia national executive director Gerard Benedet …
Negotiations ongoing for women’s health trials
Department hopeful agreement can be reached on the design of trials to enable pharmacists to initiate hormonal contraception National trials aimed at improving access to PBS subsidised contraceptives and treatment for uncomplicated …
Small business seeks streamlined visa processes
Skills shortages across all sectors are crippling small business, an advocacy body warns The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) is calling immigration reform, tax reforms and the introduction of a permanent instant asset …