Pharmacy Daily | “Our future is ours to shape”

IN YESTERDAY'S opening plenary at APP2026, Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president Trent Twomey presented the highs and lows of the last year, from the rapid increase in prescribing pharmacists and the growth of Guild membership, to the ongoing impact of 60-day dispensing and challenges of federalism.

As women's health takes a front seat in pharmacy and healthcare more generally, Professor Twomey lamented the slow rollout of initiatives agreed in the 8CPA.

"Free pharmacy consultations for concession card holders, and the ability to prescribe PBS medicines.

"However, over the last two years, since this agreement was signed, we are still waiting - women are still waiting," he said.

He acknowledged some progress had been made on initiation of hormonal contraception - at this time last year, only pharmacists in Queensland could initiate, whereas now all states except NSW and ACT can or will soon be able to.

Professor Twomey (pictured) also celebrated the 200 new pharmacist prescribers, pointing out that the previous year there were only 20, and there are now eight universities offering postgraduate training.

"I'm so grateful that every prescribing pharmacist who has put in the hard yards balancing careers, balancing home, and balancing study," he said.

"But to really seize this opportunity, we need prescribing to be included in the base registerable degree, so that every student leaving university can assess, diagnose, and treat both everyday health conditions and long-term chronic conditions."

Alluding to the collapse of the Infinity Group, Professor Twomey reiterated the Guild's position that the core principles of location rules and pharmacist-owned pharmacies should be strengthened to deliver equitable access for patients.

"They are the backbone of community pharmacy," he said.

Acknowledging the presence of Associate Professor Fei Sim, and Professor Mark Naunton, the former and current presidents of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Professor Twomey highlighted the Society's acquisition of the Australasian College of Pharmacy as a win for education and training.

Guild membership has grown, with Professor Twomey highlighting a reshaped membership offering, a freeze on fees, and increased value.

As he rounded off his address, he pointed out that next year the Guild will turn 100, and urged pharmacists to complete the census the Guild is currently conducting to help it advocate for the future of pharmacy.

"Colleagues, as we head towards our centenary and beyond, remember this: you chose well.

"You chose a profession that changes lives every day, and your Guild is here for you.

"We are in the corridors where deals are done, we're in the rooms where decisions are made, and we're on the ground where issues hit," Professor Twomey added.

"Our future is ours to shape." KB