The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch has welcomed the NSW Government's announcement to expand access to contraception by enabling trained community pharmacists to prescribe and supply a wider range of contraceptive options.
From 1 June 2026, eligible pharmacists will be able to prescribe contraception for women over 18, building on the success of the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) resupply trial already operating in hundreds of pharmacies across NSW.
NSW Branch President, Mario Barone, said the reform would make it faster, easier and more affordable for women to access high quality essential healthcare.
"This is a practical, common‑sense reform that improves access to contraception where women already go for trusted healthcare - their local pharmacy," Mr Barone said.
"This announcement recognises that pharmacists are a highly skilled part of the primary healthcare workforce.
"It gives women more choice, more control and quicker access to the care they need."
Under the expanded service, trained pharmacists will be able to initiate and continue a broader range of contraceptives, easing pressure on GP clinics while keeping care safe and patient‑centred.
NSW Branch Senior Vice President, Catherine Bronger, welcomed the announcement and said it recognised pharmacists' expertise in delivering women's health services.
"This announcement recognises trained community pharmacists can safely deliver essential women's health services where and when women need them," Ms Bronger said.
"Expanding pharmacists' ability to initiate and continue contraception is vital to improving access for women facing cost, time or postcode barriers to seeing a GP."
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch looks forward to working with the NSW Government and health stakeholders to support implementation and ensure women across the state benefit from faster, more convenient access to care.
