Each year, APP gives us a moment to take stock of where we are as a profession and where we are heading. This year’s conference made one thingabundantly clear: community pharmacy is not simply keeping pace with change — we are driving it.
Across the program, the energy was unmistakable.
The scale and momentum of APP reaffirmed its standing as the largest and most influential pharmacy conference in the southern hemisphere, but more importantly, it reflected a sector which is collaborative, solutions‑focused and deeply committed to the communities we serve.
Strong representation from government, too, including the Hon David Crisafulli MP, Premier of Queensland, the Hon Mark Butler MP, Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Senator Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, underscored the central role community pharmacy plays in Australia’s health system.
Our keynote speakers, such as Tom Murray, President of the Irish Pharmacists Union, and Clare Fitzell, President of the Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU) also delivered insights which will stay with delegates long after the conference.
Just ahead of APP starting, I had the privilege of welcoming PGNZ President Kesh Naidoo-Rauf to our PGA National Council meeting. Every time wemeet, we deepen our shared understanding, compare priorities, and strengthen the trans-Tasman partnership which matters so much to both our organisations.
Although our systems operate under different funding and policy settings, the direction we’re heading is remarkably aligned. Both Guilds are focused on building a future where community pharmacies are sustainably supported, able to broaden their clinical role, and positioned to deliver stronger, more accessible care for the people who rely on us. And the trade hall again showcased the breadth and vibrancy of our profession, with more than 450 exhibitors presenting new products, technologies and services.
APP2026 also provided an important moment to recognise excellence through the National Pharmacy Awards, celebrating individuals and businesses shaping better health outcomes nationwide.
These stories of leadership and dedication remind us why our sector continues to earn the trust of people in Australia every day. Please do read more about our winners in the following pages.
Landmark women’s health program starts January 1
The most significant moment at APP2026 was Minister Butler’s announcement that the Women’s Health PharmacyPrescribing Trial would begin from January 1. The initiative is a commitment of the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement.
The program will enable appropriately trained community pharmacists to provide women free consultations for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and hormonal contraception initiation and if required, a prescription for PBS-listed medicines.
The Federal Government’s announcement builds on almost every state and territory empowering community pharmacy to provide women with hormonal contraception initiation.
Most recently, New South Wales has now joined this shift, announcing a AUD $4.5 million investment to allow eligible pharmacists to prescribe the pill for women over 18. We hope the Australian Capital Territory will follow swiftly.
Under the Federal Government’s new women’s health package, only pharmacists who meet the national prescribing standard will be authorised to support women seeking contraception advice and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs. Safety is, and always will be, central to pharmacy care.
The evidence supporting this model is already strong. Since the introduction of pharmacy-based UTI treatment, more than145,000 women have received care from almost 4,000 participating pharmacies across metropolitan, regional and remote communities.Monthly service volumes remain high, demonstrating the importance of this service to patients — particularly at a time when GP wait times continue to grow.Research shows 16 per cent of patients nationwide wait more than three weeks for a GP appointment, and nearly half of women report these wait times as unacceptable.
Empowering trained pharmacists to deliver more women’s health services means women can access the help they need sooner, and GPs can focus on more complex care. It is a win for patients anda win for the health system. We have a feature on women’s access to better healthcare in this issue, so please do read that one.
Keeping medicines affordable
We also continue to visit lawmakers at Parliament House in Canberra, and across the nation, to advocate for something simple but essential: ensuring medicines remain affordable for every Australian.
On January 1 this year, the PBS general patient co-payment fell to AUD25.00 — its lowest level in more than two decades.
This reform is already easing cost-of-living pressures for patients. But without further action, the co-payment will begin increasing again with inflation from January 1, 2027.
That is why the PGA is calling for the AUD25 co-payment to be frozen until 2030, ensuring Australians are not forced to choose between their health and other essentials.It is a well-understood, widely supported measure which delivers real cost-of-living relief without adding inflationary pressure to the economy.
In addition, the Guild’s 2026‑2027 Federal Budget Submission calls for targeted, practical adjustments to strengthen medicines affordability, stabilise essential programs, and expand capacity in a sector where demand continues to rise. The Federal Budget will be handed down on 12 May 2026.
Conversations with lawmakers make it clear medicine affordability remains a priority for communities across the country.Every day, community pharmacists see the impact cost has on adherence, health outcomes and, ultimately, the strength of our health care system.
Good health care policy should be practical, sustainable and centred on patients. Freezing the co-payment meets all three tests.
It is a straightforward, responsible reform which will help Australians stay well — and stay engaged with their treatment.
Global supply pressures
While our focus is always on delivering care locally, we cannot ignore the global forces shaping the environment in which we operate amid the current Middle East conflict.
At the time of writing, Australia’s medicine supply remained stable. However, it is essential we stay vigilant, maintain strong communication with wholesalers and support national strategies which strengthen supply chain resilience.
Community pharmacies are often the first within the health care landscape to feel the effects of global disruption, and so the PGA will continue working with government and industry to ensure people in Australia can access the medicines they need, when they need them.
Looking ahead
APP2026 reminded us of the extraordinary capability and commitment within our profession. From women’s health reforms to affordability, advocacy and global supply chain vigilance — community pharmacy continues to show leadership at every level.
As we move through 2026, we will remain focused on practical, patient-centred reforms which strengthen our health system and support the nation’s 6,000 community pharmacies.
Thank you for everything you do for your patients and your communities. Our profession is strong, united and ready for the opportunities ahead.
