28 October 2026

 

PREVIOUSLY announced for concession card holders only, the trial will now be expanded to provide access for all women, helping more women access timely, affordable and convenient care through their local pharmacy.

 

Minister for Woman, senator Katy Gallagher said, “For too long, women’s experiences of the health system haven’t received the attention they deserve. We’re determined to change that.

 

We’re making practical changes that give women more choice, make health care more accessible and help save women thousands of dollars over their lifetimes.

 

An estimated 900,000 Australian women could now benefit from the 12-month trial once it rolls out from early next year, which will allow them to access pharmacy treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and initiation or re-supply of hormonal contraception.

 

Access to hormonal contraception without a GP visit will be included in the trial so long as it is permitted under the rules of the state or territory in which it is provided.

 

Health Minister Mark Butler said, “We want to make it easier for women to get care that fits into their lives.

 

“This trial is part of our Government’s promise to give Australian women more choice and control over their health, which has already benefited more than one million women.”

 

The Albanese Government will cover pharmacist consultation costs, providing substantial savings of up to $38 per visit and women will pay no more than $25 per script.

 

These reforms are being delivered to Australian women under the Albanese 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 the contraceptive implant, with larger Medicare payments and more bulk billing. This saves 300,000 women a year up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs.

 

Assistant Minister Rebecca White commented that the government had from women across Australia about the significant difference the Albanese Labor Government’s landmark changes were making with cheaper medicines, with more affordable access to treatment and support.

 

“This trial will ensure patient safety comes first by testing how the pharmacy model works in practice, including assessment, referral and follow-up, before any decision about its future is made," she said.

 

“This trial is part of the Australian Government’s $792.9 million investment to give women more choice and control over their health, which has already benefited more than one million women.”

 

Pharmacy Guild of Australia, National President Professor Trent Twomey, said: “This is a landmark reform for women’s healthcare in this country. It provides women more choice in when and where they can access safe and affordable primary healthcare.

 

“The Trial will build on years of specially trained pharmacists delivering these services safely to patients across Australia and the world.  Already, every month, more than 8,000 Australian women visit a community pharmacy for the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs. Thousands more, think pharmacy first for hormonal contraception initiation and resupply.

 

“Community pharmacy is Australia’s most accessible primary healthcare destination with more than 6,000 community pharmacies open earlier, later and longer than other healthcare providers.”

 

Since announcing the women’s health package last year, more than one million women have accessed almost 4.9 million cheaper scripts for new contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies and endometriosis treatment listed on the PBS.

 

"This is another step towards a health system that works better for women and takes their health needs seriously, Assistant Minister White.

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