Pharmacists Advocate for Expanded Prescribing Rights
Pharmacists across Australia are calling for broader prescribing powers, arguing that such a move would alleviate pressure on general practitioners (GPs) and reduce federal healthcare costs. This expansion would also spare patients the need to schedule a doctor’s appointment each time they require a prescription.
Currently, trials in various states and territories permit pharmacists to prescribe medications for conditions including hormonal contraception, urinary tract infections, and skin ailments.
A report released on Tuesday by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia highlights that extending pharmacist prescribing rights to include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hormonal contraception, and cardiovascular risk reduction could save the health system approximately $1 billion annually.
Health economics consultancy HTANALYSTS provided modelling indicating that such an expansion could free over 10 million GP appointments and prevent 30,000 hospitalisations each year.
“This modelling shows that empowering specially trained pharmacists to prescribe for appropriate conditions isn’t just good for patients – it’s good for the entire health system,” said Trent Twomey, president of the Pharmacy Guild.
NDIS Changes Expected to Disproportionately Affect Women and Families
Advocacy groups have raised concerns that a comprehensive revision of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will unfairly impact women and families caring for disabled Australians, according to reports from AAP.
An inquiry into the proposed NDIS reforms is scheduled to hear evidence this week indicating that changes to eligibility criteria—partly aimed at curbing escalating costs—will adversely affect mothers of disabled children, including those whose children are adults.
Modelling from the Grattan Institute projects that approximately $11 billion of the $16.6 billion in savings forecast for 2029/30 will result from eligibility adjustments, including more detailed assessments.
The reforms are anticipated to reduce the number of NDIS participants to 598,000 by 2030/31, which is about one-third of the projected participant numbers if no changes were implemented.
Before these changes are fully enacted, most reductions will occur through short-term measures, especially cuts to social and community participation funding. This shift will likely compel many clients to depend more heavily on family members to assist with daily activities.
“These savings won’t be achieved without shifting costs on to families and informal carers,” stated the Grattan Institute in its submission to the inquiry.
Women With Disabilities Australia cautioned that caregiving responsibilities are expected to fall disproportionately on women, who may need to reduce work hours or leave employment to care for disabled relatives or friends.
Support for Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan Declines Amid Polling
Recent polling indicates a significant decline in support for the Victorian state government, suggesting it may face defeat in the upcoming November election. This has the potential to revive internal party discussions about replacing the current premier, Jacinta Allan, according to AAP.
A Freshwater Strategy poll conducted for the Herald Sun reveals that Victorian Labor’s primary vote has dropped to 23%, trailing the Coalition’s 27% and a surging One Nation party at 25%.
If these results are reflected in the November election, the 12-year Labor government could be ousted, with the Coalition leading 53% to 47% on a two-party-preferred basis.
The poll also indicates that many respondents believe it is time for Jacinta Allan to step down as premier. However, the Coalition would still need to secure 16 additional seats to form a majority government.
Allan’s personal popularity has declined, with her net favourability rating falling by five points to minus 37. She trails significantly behind Liberal leader Jess Wilson, who holds a positive net rating of 15.
Only 25% of respondents think Allan would make a better premier, compared to 49% who favour Wilson.
Live News Blog Introduction
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories, followed by Nick Visser with the main updates.
Jacinta Allan is under increased scrutiny today after a poll revealed her Labor party trailing both the Coalition and One Nation ahead of the November state election. More details to follow.
Advocacy groups have also warned that women and families of disabled Australians will be disproportionately affected by proposed sweeping changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Further information will be provided shortly.
