Pharmacy owners and managers should be reviewing their payroll settings, program claiming processes and operational systems to ensure they remain compliant as these changes roll out.
This summary brings together the key adjustments across award wages, PBS remuneration, superannuation obligations, SMS sender ID rules and program claiming deadlines, with links to detailed guidance to support planning for the 2026–27 financial year.
Award wage increases
Changes to award wages for community pharmacy staff will soon take effect, reflecting both the next stage of gender undervaluation adjustments and the Annual Wage Review increase.
These changes have different operative dates.
Many pharmacies will apply them within the same pay cycle, but should ensure they are applied consecutively, with the Annual Wage Review increase calculated on the updated base rate that includes the gender undervaluation adjustment.
PBS remuneration and funding updates
Various 8CPA payment rates will change on July 1 2026 as a result of:
- Wholesale Mark-Up changes in the First Pharmaceutical Wholesaler Agreement
- Annual CPI Indexation
- Additional Community Supply Support (ACSS) changes due to the Payment Adjustment Mechanism (PAM)
PGA's members are encouraged to be aware of the upcoming changes and review a short explainer outlining how the PAM operates and what it means in practice.
Payday Super
From July 1 2026, employers will be required to pay superannuation at the same time as wages, rather than quarterly.
With contributions needing to reach employees’ funds within tight timeframes and the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House closing on June 30, pharmacy owners should now be finalising their payroll processes and systems ahead of commencement.
SMS sender ID registration required
From July 1 2026, pharmacies using branded SMS will need to ensure their sender ID is registered. That means messages sent under a business name rather than a phone number must have a registered sender ID.
Unregistered sender IDs may appear as “Unverified” to patients, which could impact message trust and recognition.
Pharmacies should confirm with their software or messaging provider what is required ahead of the deadline.
Program claiming reminder
A number of pharmacy programs require claims to be submitted by the end of the calendar month following service delivery. For example, services provided in May must be claimed by June 30.
This applies to programs such as NIPVIP, Dose Administration Aids (DAA) and Staged Supply.
Claims submitted outside this timeframe, containing incomplete information, or not aligned with Program Rules may not be processed or paid.
Pharmacy owners should ensure all eligible services are claimed on time to avoid missed payments.
