While cheaper medicines and women’s health were centrepieces of the 2025–26 Federal Budget, a range of other health-related measures are also set to shape the future of care delivery — including in areas directly relevant to community pharmacy.
A further $228.7 million has been allocated in 2025–26 to modernise My Health Record, continuing the Government’s push to strengthen digital health infrastructure. This investment supports the broader digital health reform agenda and aligns with community pharmacy’s ongoing efforts to integrate patient records and clinical services into Australia’s connected care systems.
In addition, $5.7 million has been committed in 2025–26 to support the ongoing sustainability of Australia’s electronic prescribing infrastructure — a vital component of modern medicine management in pharmacies across the country.
On workforce, $662.6 million will go toward growing the health workforce, including incentives and training packages for doctors and nurses. While pharmacists were not directly referenced in this package, the Guild continues to advocate for inclusion in future workforce strategies — particularly as pharmacists take on more primary care responsibilities across Australia.
In aged care, $3.0 million has been set aside over five years to support the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority in developing supplementary funding models for the Australian National Aged Care Classification (ANACC), alongside ongoing reforms to improve quality and accountability in the sector.
Other Budget measures include:
- $657.9 million to expand Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, with an additional 50 clinics to be opened nationwide.
- $1.8 billion in additional public hospital funding, further supporting the health system’s recovery and reform efforts.
- $31.6 million for strengthened regulation of tobacco and therapeutic goods, aimed at improving public health compliance and enforcement.
- $423.8 million to support people with disability, including through the National Autism Strategy.
- $842.6 million for critical services including health and nutrition in remote First Nations communities in the Northern Territory.
These measures are part of a broader health investment package that totals more than $8 billion in new commitments, with implications for patients, practitioners and the wider primary care landscape.
As governments look to shift more care out of hospitals and closer to home, the Guild will continue to advocate for community pharmacy to be fully recognised and resourced as an essential partner in delivering safe, affordable, and accessible care.
