RACGP Calls For Aged Care Reforms in Tasmania Budget
12 Mar 2026
The RACGP wants the Tasmanian Government to stop expanding its pharmacy prescribing pilot and instead use the $5 million funding to place pharmacists directly in aged care homes.
The college says this approach would better support older Tasmanians and improve safety in residential care. Last year, the government planned to fund pharmacists to treat conditions like ear infections, reflux, shingles, and eczema.
RACGP Tasmania Chair Dr Toby Gardner said having pharmacists embedded in aged care is “evidence-based, cost-effective and immediately improves safety for some of our most vulnerable people.” He added that the current pilot is a “retail-based prescribing experiment” that doesn’t fit established medical governance.
The RACGP also suggested the government remove payroll tax for general practice registrars, as current rules make it harder for clinics to take on trainees. They want targeted grants to upgrade clinical and training spaces in Tasmanian practices, expand RSV vaccinations for people over 75, and increase GPs with special interests in public outpatient clinics.
Dr Gardner said redirecting the pharmacy pilot funding is a smart, cost-neutral move that can reduce harm, keep older Tasmanians out of hospital, and strengthen the health system.