No patient will pay more than AUD25 for PBS-listed medicines. This is more than a policy change — it’s a lifeline for families who have faced impossible choices between groceries, petrol, and essential medicines. This achievement was made possible through the joint advocacy of PGA and more than 20 health and patient groups, and it received bipartisan support.
Last year, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese became the first sitting PM to attend the Australasian Pharmacy Professional Conference & Trade Exhibition (APP), where he announced this historic reduction — the second only in Australia’s PBS history. Together, we’ve delivered momentous change, and from now on, our patients reap the benefits.
A special parliamentary evening
In November last year, PGA hosted its Annual Parliamentary Dinner in Canberra, welcoming more than 400 guests, including politicians, health advocates, pharmacy industry representatives, and community pharmacists from across the country.
It was a powerful reminder of the strength of our sector and the respect it commands in the halls of Australia’s Parliament House. We were honoured to celebrate our new Life Members and acknowledge their enduring contributions. These events are not just about networking — they are about reinforcing the vital role community pharmacy plays in creating healthier communities.
First Nations Pharmacy Network
On the evening of the parliamentary dinner, I was proud to announce the establishment of the First Nations Pharmacy Network, which is to be led by former Australian Minister, the Hon Linda Burney.
This initiative reflects our commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Linda’s leadership will ensure the First Nations Pharmacy Network drives community-centred pharmacy services and strengthens access for First Nations communities. For more on that special evening and for lots of photos, please see A Night to Remember: How PGA's annual parliamentary dinner highlighted community pharmacy's future.
Celebrating excellence
Almost all states and territories have now selected their winners for the National Pharmacy Awards, with Western Australia to follow soon. These awards recognise the outstanding contributions of pharmacists and pharmacy teams who go above and beyond for their communities. Our overall winners will be announced at APP2026 on the Gold Coast in March — a highlight of our calendar. Read all about the state and territory awards we’ve held so far at National Pharmacy Awards celebrate excellence across Australia.
In more news, the recent acquisition of the Australasian College of Pharmacy by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA)
marks a significant moment for our profession. This coming together of two powerhouses in education and training will minimise duplication and strengthen the quality of professional development available to pharmacists nationwide.
We also acknowledge PSA’s leadership transition and pay tribute to Fei Sim for her outstanding contribution during her tenure
as National President. Her work has advanced the profession and strengthened collaboration across the sector. We welcome Professor Mark Naunton as incoming PSA National President and Chair from January 2026. His leadership will guide PSA
through its next phase of growth and collaboration.
First census since 2012
This year, PGA celebrates its 99th year — and an important part of 2026 will be PGA’s next census, which we will start in March.
This will be the first census since 2012, and it comes at a critical time as we prepare for the Ninth Community Pharmacy Agreement (9CPA), the next federal election, and our ambitious 2035 goals.
The census is more than a data collection exercise - it’s a tool to shape the future of community
pharmacy. Historically, it has delivered record remuneration, informed workforce planning, and supported positive industrial relations outcomes.
With so much having changed since 2012, fresh insights are essential to ensure we continue to move forward together. We encourage every member to participate fully and complete the census for each of their pharmacies. Every pharmacy is unique, and this census will reflect that while focusing on the data we need to create healthier communities and go further together.
In 2026, let’s celebrate what we’ve achieved and look forward to what’s ahead. Together, we’ve delivered historic reforms, strengthened our profession, and set the stage for an even brighter future. Thank you for everything you do — every day, and especially during the times when Australians need you most.
In 2025, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese became the first sitting PM to attend APP
PGA’s special parliamentary dinner celebrated new Life Members by acknowledging their enduring contributions
PGA’s parliamentary dinner in Canberra saw more than 400 guests attend including politicians and health advocates
