The Australian Government is continuing to deliver more choice, lower costs and better health care for women.
From January 2027, the Commonwealth Government will commence a pharmacy trial outside of the PBS, so concession card holders can access cheaper contraceptives and treatments for uncomplicated UTIs that are prescribed by qualified pharmacists.
This follows all but one state having amended - or being in the process of amending - their legislation to allow pharmacists who have been trained to prescribe certain contraceptives and antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs, to do so for women without a doctor's prescription.
Throughout the 12-month trial, an estimated 250,000 women concession card holders between the ages of 18-55 years will be able to access pharmacy prescribed contraceptives under state regulations and uncomplicated UTI treatments, at the concession rate of $7.70.
The Pharmacy Board is expected to provide advice on implementing the national prescribing standard in July 2026.
These reforms are being delivered to Australian women and their families under the Australian Government's $792.2 million women's health package, which includes:
- the first new contraceptives were added to the PBS in 30 years, and;
- improved access to IUDs and birth control implants, with larger Medicare payments and more bulk billing. This saves 300,000 women a year up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs
Since announcing our women's health package just over a year ago, more than 704,000 women have accessed more than 2.3 million cheaper scripts for new contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies and endometriosis treatment listed on the PBS.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher:
"Access to contraception should not depend on where you live or how easy it is to get a doctor's appointment. This trial will make it easier for women to access contraception when they need it.
"This is part of the Albanese Government's broader commitment to improving women's health, giving women more choice and control over their reproductive health and ensuring medicines and services are affordable and accessible."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ageing, Disability and the NDIS, Mark Butler:
"Our government is delivering women more choice, lower costs and better access to services and treatments.
"With most states now aligned and with the impending advice on a national standard for prescribing contraceptives, we want to ensure that access is affordable and equitable for women.
"Making treatment for uncomplicated UTIs easier and more affordable to access will make a real difference for women who need fast treatment without unnecessary cost or delay."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Health, Rebecca White:
"Too many women face unnecessary barriers when it comes to accessing contraception. This trial is about making it easier and more affordable for women to get the care they need, when they need it."
