Commissioned by the Guild, the research found that 88% of Australians trust their pharmacist to provide advice for common, non-complex health conditions, while 79% support specially trained pharmacists assessing, treating and prescribing for everyday conditions such as ear infections, eczema and impetigo.
The findings are being released on World Pharmacists Day, which this year carries the theme Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures, recognising the growing contribution pharmacists make to improving access to healthcare and supporting healthier communities.
To mark the occasion, a special leaders' video featuring Australian political leaders from across the political spectrum is being shared nationally, recognising the expertise, care and dedication community pharmacy teams provide every day. The video serves as a public thank you to pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, dispensary technicians, interns and support staff who collectively help millions of Australians access healthcare close to home.
Professor Trent Twomey said the research confirms Australians are ready to see pharmacists play a greater role in healthcare delivery.
"Pharmacists are returning to university to complete their advanced training and, by next year, more than 1,500 pharmacists will be able to assess, treat and manage everyday and long-term health conditions."
He said the findings demonstrate strong public confidence in the profession.
"The research shows patients want pharmacists to deliver these services, with two-thirds of Australians recognising pharmacists primarily as healthcare professionals."
The data also highlights the significant benefits expanded pharmacist prescribing could deliver. A recent HTANALYSTS report found nationally consistent pharmacist prescribing across just four conditions could save the health system $1 billion, free up 10 million GP appointments and prevent 30,000 hospitalisations. Almost half of PBS prescriptions are for conditions covered by the additional training undertaken by prescribing pharmacists.
The research also paints a picture of the access challenges many Australians continue to face. One in four Australians reported waiting longer than they considered reasonable for a GP appointment, while almost one in four said they could not secure an appointment when they needed one. Cost and convenience also remain barriers to accessing care.
For Professor Trent Twomey, World Pharmacists Day is an opportunity to recognise both the impact community pharmacy is already having and the opportunities ahead.
"Australians make more than 440 million visits to more than 6,000 community pharmacies each year. On World Pharmacist Day, I'm particularly proud to highlight the role community pharmacists play in ensuring people can access healthier care when and where they need it, creating healthier communities every day."
He said the results reinforce the need for governments to continue backing reforms that improve patient access to pharmacist care.
"Australians trust pharmacists. They support pharmacist prescribing. They want easier, more convenient access to care – and that's exactly what pharmacist prescribing delivers."
World Pharmacists Day is also being celebrated in the heart of Melbourne, with the Guild's interactive Consultation Room activation taking over Federation Square. Timed to coincide with AFL Grand Final festivities, the activation is expected to engage thousands of visitors and showcase the important role community pharmacists play in delivering accessible healthcare.
The immersive experience gives members of the public an opportunity to step inside a pharmacy consultation room, learn more about the expanding services available through community pharmacy and hear directly from pharmacists and patients about the difference pharmacy care makes every day. With thousands of Australians expected to pass through the precinct, the activation provides a unique platform to highlight the value of community pharmacy and encourage more Australians to think pharmacy first for their healthcare needs.
Community pharmacy teams are encouraged to watch and share the World Pharmacists Day leaders' video and join the conversation using #WPD2026 and #ThinkPharmacyFirst.
