‘Exceptional initiative in pharmacy delivery’

A pharmacist at the Royal Hobart Hospital and a recently graduated PSA intern, Ms Dowling has demonstrated exceptional initiative in pharmacy delivery.

Her work in medicines governance and access included vaccine prescribing and distribution, leading to updates in the Tasmanian Medication Formulary and guiding pharmacy supply decisions.

Ms Dowling has also played a key role in improving vancomycin level monitoring in the neurosurgery ward, identifying administration errors, and developing targeted education for nursing staff to enhance patient safety.

Beyond her clinical contributions, Ms Dowling has been a leader among her peers — mentoring new pharmacy interns, supervising University of Tasmania pharmacy students, and facilitating education sessions for fellow interns.

‘An incredible example of what it means to be a pharmacist’

PSA Tasmania President Mark Kirschbaum FPS praised Ms Dowling for her dedication to advancing pharmacy practice.

“Lucinda has set an incredible example of what it means to be a pharmacist — demonstrating leadership, initiative, and a dedication to medicines safety that will serve her well throughout her career,” he said.

‘On behalf of PSA, I congratulate Lucinda on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to continuing to support her throughout her undoubtedly bright pharmacy career ahead.”

The award was presented at the PSA Intern of the Year and Welcome to the Profession event on 21 February 2025 at T42 Hobart.

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Nicolette Senserrick joins as General Manager of Medical Relations, and Craig Thompson steps in as General Manager of Medical Sales.

The new hires follow significant developments for the company, including the introduction of same-day pharmacy delivery in Sydney through its Leafio brand and a new strategic distribution partnership with the IPA network.

Rhys Staley, Executive Director and Vice President at Montu, says he is excited about the new appointments.

“These new appointments reflect our intention to continue leading from the front throughout 2025.

“Moreover, they further our dedication to shaping the future of medical cannabis in Australia,” he says.

GM of Medical Sales, Mr Thompson, who brings 7 years’ experience working within the medicinal cannabis industry, says he is looking forward to being part of a dynamic and innovative home-grown business.

“Montu has consistently stood out to me as a key player in driving growth and change within the medicinal cannabis industry,” says Mr Thompson.

He aims to ensure the field team is well-equipped for success in their healthcare practitioner relationships.

GM Medical Relations, Ms Senserrick joins from WooliesX B2B and Woolworths at Work where she led dynamic teams to push powerful products to market.

At Montu, Ms Senserrick will be responsible for engaging with practitioners who may be unfamiliar with treating patients with medicinal cannabis.

“I am beyond excited to join Montu to help Australian health practitioners better navigate the medicinal cannabis landscape and prescribe with greater confidence,” she says.

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Longitudinal research from Insightfully, commissioned by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, found that more than 1 in 5 people have not filled a prescription in the past 3 years due to cost. This figure rises to 1 in 3 in regional Australia. Women, younger people, and those with dependents are most affected.

Pharmacy Guild National Councillor Mario Barone stresses the urgency of addressing this issue.

“We know what happens when people can’t afford their medicine – they get sicker,” he says. “Often there are complications that mean time off work, time in hospital and time recovering.”

Calls for government action 

Mr Barone urges the government to reduce the PBS general co-payment to ease financial pressure on patients.

“This non-inflationary measure would reduce out-of-pocket prescription costs for patients,” he says.

“Community pharmacists see patients struggling to afford their medicine every day.

“The government can, and should, take action to address these challenges and make sure medicine stops being a luxury item.”

Sydney pharmacist Claudia, echoes these concerns, explaining she sees multiple patients each week who are struggling to afford their medication.

“In the past 6 months I’d say 3-4 patients a week are struggling to afford their medication,” she says.

“We had a patient and realised he was only taking 50% of the medications he was meant to be taking just because he couldn’t afford to get all his medications.

“People are having to choose what they can and can’t get.”

Cost of living a top priority

With cost of living ranked as a top priority for voters, followed by healthcare, the Guild is calling on the government to act swiftly to improve medicine affordability.

“Australians are being forced to make tough choices between filling prescriptions and paying the rent, buying groceries and putting petrol in the car.

In the face of this evidence the government must act and make medicine more affordable by reducing the co-payment for general patients,” says Mr Barone.

For more information, visit: affordablemedicines.com.au.

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The 22 April 2025 deadline ensures applications are processed before interim funding arrangements end on 30 June.

PSA guarantees that pharmacists who submit a complete MMR RPL application before 22 April will have their RPL processed and new credential issued before 1 July.

Submission made after this date will still be processed, however, may not be completed before 1 July.

Pharmacists are reminded that from 1 July 2025, those who have not obtained a new credential will be unable to claim fees for MMR services, as current Medication Review Numbers (MRNs) will become invalid.

PSA continues to support consultant pharmacists by offering complimentary MMR RPL for professional plus members.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS says the guarantee gives pharmacists certainty about their ability to continue providing MMR services uninterrupted.

“The temporary extension of MRNs meant that pharmacists had more time to transition to new credentials, minimising disruption to patient services and allowing the existing workforce to continue providing MMR services,” says Associate Professor Sim.

“As we now approach the end of this extension, our team is preparing for an influx of applications.

“To ensure that critical MMR services are not interrupted, PSA is guaranteeing that all RPL applications submitted before 22 April will be processed before 1 July.

“I strongly encourage pharmacists who have not yet enrolled in the RPL course and submitted the required evidence to do so as soon as possible, ensuring that your services are not interrupted on 1 July.”

PSA Consultant Pharmacist Community of Specialty Interest (CSI) Chair Deborah Hawthorne FPS CredPharm (MMR) also encourages pharmacists to connect with the CSI for support.

“As the temporary extension of our MRNs comes to an end, now is time to gather and submit evidence for your RPL,” says Ms Hawthorne.

“Our Consultant Pharmacists CSI Facebook group is a valuable resource for members undertaking RPL, particularly when it comes to the peer review process.

“I encourage PSA members to join our community and reach out to peers for support as we near 1 July.”

PSA has provided pharmacists detailed information and a step-by-step guide to submitting RPL evidence on a dedicated webpage, available here.

PSA’s credentialing team is also available to assist learners via credentialing@psa.org.au.

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However, delegates are still able to register for the conference as usual.

APP2025, taking place on the Gold Coast next month (20-22 March), will showcase over 250 companies and more than 450 exhibitor stands, covering everything from prescription and OTC medicine providers, software providers, complementary medicines suppliers, finance companies, and more.

“We have over 250 different companies participating in this year’s Trade Exhibition,” said
conference convenor, Kos Sclavos AM.

“With a wide variety of exhibitors and over 450 stands, there’s sure to be something of interest for all of our delegates.”

This year, the exhibition hall is set to become a physical manifestation of the APP2025
conference theme ‘Unlocking Your Opportunities’, providing delegates opportunities to network and keep up to date with industry trends.

“Whether delegates are looking for inspiration, seeking partnerships, or even just wanting
to keep ahead of industry trends, this year’s Trade Exhibition will deliver an incredible
experience filled with opportunities for growth and success,” said Mr Sclavos.

APP2025 will also feature a comprehensive three-day education program offering a mix of industry updates, clinical insights, business strategies, and motivational talks delivered by more than 120 experts and thought leaders.

Register for APP2025 at appconference.com.

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Announced on 6 February 2025 by 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.

The SA Government has also removed age-based restrictions, improving accessibility.

PSA South Australia and Northern Territory President Dr Manya Angley FPS welcomes the move.

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

“This will dramatically improve access and convenience for South Australians.

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

‘The reforms are nation-leading’

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS describes the reforms as “nation-leading” and urges other jurisdictions to adopt the South Australian approach.

“Regulation should enable, rather than restrict good health care provision,” she says.

“This approach will unlock a new level of care, and should be the standard all other states and territories aspire to.

“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.”

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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, says 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,” she says.

“This budget is an opportunity to address long standing 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: Budget Submissions.

Text by: PSA.

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The passing of the Bill means Victorian paramedic practitioners will be able to assess, diagnose and treat patients in the field, make clinical decisions and ultimately take the pressure off emergency departments.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch, welcomes the new laws with Victoria Branch President George Tambassis saying the passing of the Bill is “another important step towards improved access to healthcare for patients in Victoria”.

These new laws follow the successful Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot (the Pilot), which has been extended until 30 June 2025.

The Pilot has allowed more than 20,000 Victorian patients to receive treatment at their local community pharmacy for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), oral contraceptive resupply, shingles and flare-ups of mild plaque psoriasis, and travel health vaccinations.

Advocating for health access equality, Mr Tambassis says “the Pilot is an important first step for community pharmacists to deliver more for Victorian patients”.

“Victorian patients should be able to access the same services that are already available at community pharmacies in other states and territories,” he says.

“The Guild is committed to actively working with the Allan Government to enable pharmacists to practice at their full scope and provide prescribing and clinical services to patients for 24 everyday health conditions, including acute nausea and vomiting, hay fever, asthma, acute wound management, gastro-oesophageal reflux and more.”

The Guild emphasises that enabling pharmacists to practice to full scope would not only align with the expanded role of paramedic practitioners but also build on Victoria’s 2024 reforms, which allow authorised midwives to prescribe Schedule 2, 3, 4, and 8 medicines within their full scope of practice.

“Enabling a range of healthcare professionals – paramedics, midwives and community pharmacists – to do more for patients will significantly enhance healthcare outcomes for Victorians while taking pressure off our healthcare system,” says Mr Tambassis.

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This marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the Community Pharmacy Full Scope of Practice initiative.

“This is a significant milestone for healthcare in the Northern Territory,” says Peter Hatswell, President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NT Branch.

Following a successful pilot, James Cook University (JCU) has the Graduate Certificate of Advanced Practice and Prescribing for Pharmacists.

The course includes residential components in Darwin, making it more accessible for local pharmacists.

Charles Darwin University is planning to host the residential components of the course in Darwin, with scheduling currently under discussion.

“The training will equip our pharmacists with the skills and knowledge needed to provide a wider range of health services, improving access to care for all Territorians,” says Mr Hatswell.

Government backing

The NT Government is backing the initiative with a $1 million subsidy, fulfilling its July 2024 election promise to expand pharmacist-led healthcare services.

“We’re thrilled to see the CLP government following through on their commitment to expand pharmacists’ scope of practice,” says Mr Hatswell.

“This program will allow pharmacists to treat up to 21 conditions, including ear infections, asthma, and minor wounds, significantly reducing the burden on our healthcare system.”

Enrollment details

Pharmacists interested in enrolling can find course information at: Graduate Certificate of Advanced Practice and Prescribing for Pharmacists.

Details about the training subsidy and application process are available at: Australasian College of Pharmacy.

The Community Pharmacy Full Scope of Practice program regulatory changes are expected to be implemented by August 2025, paving the way for expanded healthcare services in Northern Territory pharmacies.

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For the first time, eligible patients will be able to obtain medicines for UTIs and hormonal contraceptives at Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) pricing, improving affordability and accessibility.

‘Breaking down healthcare barriers’

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS, who has co-chaired the Access, Care and Outcome Subcommittee under the federal government’s Women’s Health Advisory Council since 2023, describes the announcement as a significant step forward in breaking down healthcare barriers, particularly in rural and regional areas.

“Women deserve to receive timely, high-quality care, and pharmacists are trained and ready to support them in managing their health,” says Associate Professor Sim.

‘Announcement takes pharmacy programs further’

Associate Professor Sim emphasises the critical role pharmacists already play in enabling women to access treatment for UTIs and repeat prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives.

“This announcement will take these programs one step further, allowing pharmacists to initiate hormonal contraceptives and supply medications under the PBS for the first time,” she says.

With bipartisan support, cements pharmacists’ role as trust, accessible healthcare providers, reinforcing their ability to deliver essential women’s health services.

“Community pharmacists are trusted, accessible healthcare professionals.

“These policy changes are a game changer for women around the country,” says Associate Professor Sim.

PSA committed to pharmacy education and training

PSA is committed to equipping pharmacists with high-quality education and training to ensure safe and effective care under the new policies.

“PSA is proud to support these initiatives with high-quality education and training for pharmacists, building the capacity and expertise of our profession as we scale up our health care services for women across Australia.

“PSA looks forward to working closely with governments and healthcare stakeholders to ensure the success of these trials and to continue strengthening pharmacists’ role in women’s healthcare across Australia,” says Associate Professor Sim.

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