The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed the news that women in New South Wales will be able to access safe and convenient consultations for hormonal contraception at a community pharmacy.
New South Wales is the final state to enable appropriately trained pharmacists to prescribe and supply hormonal contraception including the pill.
Patients will be able to visit a pharmacy and receive a thorough assessment in a private consultation room with a pharmacist that has undertaken additional training. The notes of the consultation and treatment will be shared with the patient's GP with their consent.
The change starts on 1 June 2026 with the NSW government funding 5,000 consultations.
"It's a significant national milestone" Pharmacy Guild of Australia Vice President Simon Blacker said.
"Women in every state will benefit from consistent, pharmacy‑based access to contraception, no matter where they live. Pharmacies are open earlier, longer and later than other primary healthcare providers meaning women can receive safe and effective care when and where they need it."
"For the first time, a woman's access to hormonal contraception will no longer be determined by her postcode or the availability of GP appointments" Mr Blacker said.
"Women in every state will be able to access essential reproductive healthcare in a community pharmacy. It will free up GP appointments for more complex care and will reduce unnecessary strain on the health system."
Australia's more than 6,000 community pharmacies are among the most frequently accessed healthcare destinations, with Australians visiting a pharmacy on average every three weeks.
Women can learn more about available services at Find a Pharmacy.
