Bills
Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Authorising Pharmacists) Bill 2023
Introduction and first reading
Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Medical Research) (10:01): I move:
That I introduce a bill for an act to amend the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 in relation to the supply, dispensing, administration, use and sale of Schedule 4 poisons by pharmacists without a prescription and for other purposes.
Motion agreed to.
Emma KEALY (Lowan) (10:01): I ask the minister for a brief explanation of the bill.
Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Medical Research) (10:01): I am happy to report that the brief explanation remains the same. This bill seeks to amend the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 to support the community pharmacist pilot and increase access to timely treatment for common conditions. The bill will allow for the creation of regulations which permit pharmacists to supply some common medications without a prescription or instruction from a medical practitioner. The pilot is consistent with the pilot progressed by Queensland and a trial being established by New South Wales and is aligned with Commonwealth initiatives to increase timely access to safe primary care and common medications.
Read first time.
Ordered to be read second time tomorrow.