GPs Criticise NSW Decision to Expand Pharmacist Prescribing Without Consultation
23 Apr 2026
From 1 June, eligible pharmacists in NSW who complete extra training will be able to prescribe the contraceptive pill to women over 18 without requiring a GP visit.
The RACGP NSW&ACT says the announcement was made without meaningful input from GPs, despite their central role in women’s healthcare.
RACGP NSW&ACT Deputy Chair Dr James Kelly said the lack of consultation has damaged trust with the government and left doctors feeling excluded from key policy decisions. He said there was no co-design process and no clear opportunity for the college to contribute to training or implementation plans.
He also warned that changes like this should not be rushed and must prioritise patient safety over speed of rollout.
The college said it is concerned that care could become fragmented if prescribing is shifted away from GPs without proper coordination.
Dr Kelly also raised concerns about a pilot program run through the University of Newcastle, saying results have not yet been made public despite repeated requests, even though the new prescribing policy is going ahead.
He said access to the trial findings is important to ensure future decisions are based on evidence and proper safety review.
The pharmacist prescribing program builds on a previous NSW pilot that began in 2023, but GPs say stronger transparency and collaboration are needed before expanding such models of care.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (NSW & ACT Faculty)