PHARMACISTS in NSW will be able to initiate contraceptive supply from 01 Jun 2026, the NSW Government announced today (PD breaking news), building on the success of the existing oral contraceptive pill (OCP) resupply trial operating in hundreds of pharmacies across the state.
It is anticipated that 60 pharmacists trained with a graduate certificate from James Cook University will be eligible to start prescribing the contraceptive pill for women over the age of 18 who have a lower risk of complications, with more pharmacists to join them after completing the qualification.
Under the expanded service, trained pharmacists will also be able to resupply a broader range of contraceptives, including medroxyprogesterone acetate injections and the combined hormonal contraceptive ring.
"This is basic healthcare for millions of Australian women, and this is about making it easier to get that care, without extra cost or hassle," Premier Chris Minns stated.
"Just because something's always been done a certain way, it doesn't mean it's the best way to keep doing it - it's not working for busy women to access a doctor to get a script," he continued.
"Being able to go to your local pharmacy and sort it out quickly just makes sense."
The first 5,000 consultations with a trained pharmacist will be covered by the NSW government, after which women will be expected to pay between $20 and $60 for the consultation.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch has welcomed the announcement to expand access to contraception by enabling trained community pharmacists to prescribe and supply a wider range of contraceptive options.
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, commonsense reform that improves access to contraception where women already go for trusted healthcare - their local pharmacy," 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," he concluded. KB
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