15 Jun 2026
Insurer warns expanded pharmacy prescribing could increase patient risk
Australia’s largest medical indemnity insurer, Avant, has raised serious concerns about proposals to expand what pharmacists are allowed to prescribe, warning there is a “very real risk” of patient harm if changes go ahead.
15 Jun 2026
NSW pharmacists begin prescribing contraceptive pill as new rules take effect
Women in New South Wales can now access the oral contraceptive pill directly from trained pharmacists, following the introduction of new prescribing rules that began on Friday.
12 Jun 2026
Patient Speaks Out as Low-Dose Zoladex Treatment Set to Be Discontinued
A patient has described the upcoming discontinuation of low-dose goserelin (Zoladex) as “traumatic” and “really poor”, following confirmation that the treatment will no longer be available in Australia from 1 November.
12 Jun 2026
Opposition Accuses Government of “Bullying” GPs Over Bulk Billing Push
Debate has intensified in the Australian Parliament over the Federal Government’s push to increase bulk billing, with the Opposition accusing some Labor MPs of using “coercive tactics” against general practitioners.
12 Jun 2026
New Sterilisation Rules for General Practices to Begin by 2028
General practices across Australia have until early 2028 to meet updated infection prevention and control (IPC) requirements for sterilising medical instruments. The changes follow new Standards Australia guidance and aim to improve safety in clinical settings.
11 Jun 2026
Sustainability Concerns Raised During RACGP Visit to Remote WA Town
A visit to the remote Western Australian town of Karratha has highlighted ongoing concerns about red tape, funding pressures and the long-term sustainability of general practice in rural areas.
11 Jun 2026
Telehealth Services Set for New My Health Record Rules by 2027
The Federal Government is moving ahead with plans that will require telehealth-only prescribing services to automatically share patients’ medicine information with My Health Record by 2027, as part of wider changes aimed at improving medication safety.
11 Jun 2026
Coroner Calls for Medical Checks in Gun Licensing Debate
A suggestion for general practitioners to play a greater role in assessing whether patients are fit to own firearms has raised concerns from the RACGP, which says the idea contains “multiple flaws”.
11 Jun 2026
New Stroke Standard Highlights Vital Role of GPs in Recovery
General practitioners are being recognised as key partners in helping stroke survivors recover and rebuild their lives after leaving hospital, following the release of an updated national stroke care standard.
11 Jun 2026
New GP Education Opportunities Focus on ADHD Support and Preventive Care
Australian GPs have several new learning and professional development opportunities coming up, including a webinar on helping families manage ADHD, updates to the RACGP digital library, research training pathways, and workshops focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.