The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) warmly welcomes the recommendation of the Senate Community Affairs Committee that the Senate pass the Health Legislation Amendment (Prescribing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Bill 2025.
The Senate Committee report is a significant step in the journey towards allowing authorised registered nurse prescribers to prescribe under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
APNA President Denise Lyons said the recommendation is a win for patients, communities, and the health system, and reflects a clear recognition of the vital role nurses play in delivering timely, safe and accessible healthcare.
"This is an important step for Australia's primary health care system," Denise said.
"Allowing highly experienced, skilled and trusted nurses to prescribe under the PBS will mean faster, more accessible and more affordable care for Australians."
"The Committee's recommendation shows that Senators in the Committee, scrutinising the legislation, agree that nurse prescribers are essential to improving access to care, particularly for those who currently wait too long or travel too far for basic health needs."
The Committee's report acknowledges substantial evidence supporting nurse prescribing, including improvements in workforce efficiency and health outcomes.
"This reform will reduce bottlenecks, ease pressure on overstretched clinicians, and ensure Australians get the care and medicines they need without unnecessary delays."
APNA is urging the Senate to maintain this momentum and ensure the bill passes swiftly.
"We look forward to working with stakeholders across Australia to implement nurse prescribing safely, effectively and in a way that delivers real benefits to communities across Australia."
About us:
About APNA
The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) is the peak body and professional membership association for all nurses working outside of a hospital setting in Australia. APNA champions the role of primary health care nurses; to advance professional recognition, ensure workforce sustainability, nurture leadership in health, and optimise the role of nurses in patient-centred care.
APNA is bold, vibrant and future-focused. We reflect the views of our membership and the broader profession by bringing together nurses from across Australia to represent, advocate, promote and celebrate the achievements of nurses in primary health care.
APNA represents a significant and rapidly expanding workforce; primary health care nurses account for around one in eight of the 640,000 registered health professionals in Australia.
