What can a pharmacist treat in your state in 2026?

A few years ago, the answer to “can my pharmacist treat this?” was usually no: you needed a GP for anything that required a prescription. In 2026, community pharmacists in every state and territory can assess and treat at least some common conditions, such as an uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) or a repeat of the contraceptive pill. In some states the list now runs to more than a dozen conditions.

The catch is that the list depends on where you live. Each state and territory runs its own program, with its own age limits, conditions and fees. This guide sets out what is available in each one as of October 2026, and what to expect when you walk in.

What is the same everywhere

A few things apply wherever you are:

• Only trained, participating pharmacies offer these services. Pharmacists need extra training, and many pharmacies do not take part. Phone ahead.
• The pharmacist follows a clinical protocol. If your symptoms fall outside it, because of your age, pregnancy, severity or a pattern of recurrence, they will refer you to a GP or urgent care. That is the service working as intended.
• You usually pay. Some states fund free consultations, but often there is a consultation fee, and medicines supplied this way are generally not PBS-subsidised.
• It is for minor, short-term problems. These programs are not a replacement for your regular GP or for ongoing care of a chronic condition.

State by state at a glance

New South Wales

NSW pharmacists can treat uncomplicated UTIs in women aged 18 to 65, resupply hormonal contraception (the pill, vaginal ring or depot injection) for people aged 18 to 49, and treat eczema, impetigo, shingles and mild plaque psoriasis. Since June 2026, specially trained pharmacists can also start the contraceptive pill for women aged 18 to 39, with NSW Health funding the first 5,000 consultations.

A smaller group of pharmacists can also treat muscle pain, reflux, rhinitis, acne and nausea. In September 2026 the NSW Government announced a further trial covering ear infections, wound care, high blood pressure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Victoria

Victoria’s Community Pharmacist Program, promoted as “Chemist Care Now”, is permanent. It covers UTIs, contraception (starting and resupplying the pill, and resupplying other methods), shingles, impetigo, psoriasis flares, dermatitis, mild acne, muscle and joint pain, reflux and travel vaccines. Since October 2026 it also includes resupply of menopausal hormone therapy for eligible women. The state plans to expand the program to 23 conditions.

Most consultations are free, and you pay for any medicine. The Better Health Channel has a map of more than 900 participating pharmacies.

Queensland

Queensland made its program permanent in July 2025. Trained pharmacists can treat 17 common conditions, including ear infections (outer and middle ear), nausea and vomiting, rhinitis, reflux, shingles, impetigo, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, muscle pain, wounds, weight management, smoking cessation and travel health, as well as provide hormonal contraception. The UTI service has been permanent since 2022.

A separate pilot running until 30 June 2027 covers heart disease risk, blood pressure and cholesterol, asthma and COPD. Pilot consultations cost $19.50, $36.70 or $70.50 depending on length, with no Medicare rebate.

Western Australia

In WA, pharmacists can currently treat UTIs for women aged 18 to 65 and resupply the contraceptive pill for women aged 16 to 39. The Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot, which will let trained pharmacists treat 17 conditions including asthma, shingles, skin conditions, ear infections and reflux, is expected to start in late 2026 and run until 2028.

South Australia

SA pharmacists can treat UTIs in women aged 18 to 65 and resupply the pill for women aged 17 to 50. The laws allowing a broader expanded-scope service are in place, and SA Health says a small number of pharmacies began offering it in early 2026, with more to follow. SA Health publishes a register of authorised pharmacists.

Tasmania

Tasmanian pharmacists can treat UTIs in women aged 18 to 65, prescribe hormonal contraception for people aged 16 and over, and provide an extended supply of the pill for up to 12 months. The Tasmanian Government has said ear infections, reflux, rhinitis, shingles, eczema and wounds will follow once pharmacists complete training.

Australian Capital Territory

In the ACT, pharmacists can treat UTIs for people aged 18 to 65 and resupply the pill for people aged 18 to 49. A small number of named pharmacies also treat eczema, shingles, impetigo and psoriasis. Muscle pain, reflux, rhinitis, acne and nausea were announced for 2026; check ACT Health for current availability.

Northern Territory

The NT has offered a pharmacy UTI service since October 2024. Since a change to regulations in May 2026, its expanded-scope program lists about 20 services, broadly similar to Queensland’s, plus vaccinations and contraception. Fees are set by each pharmacy.

The national picture

From January 2027, a 12-month federal trial will let concession card holders aged 18 to 55 get pharmacist-prescribed contraception and UTI treatment for $7.70. The Pharmacy Board of Australia is also consulting on a national endorsement for pharmacist prescribing. Doctors’ groups have pushed back: the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has told the Board it opposes a general prescribing endorsement, citing risks around diagnosis and follow-up care.

Practical Example: A 27-year-old in Townsville wakes with an itchy, weeping rash on his shin that his partner thinks looks like school sores. His GP’s next appointment is four days away. He searches for a local pharmacy offering impetigo treatment, phones to check a trained pharmacist is working, and is seen in the consultation room that morning. The pharmacist confirms it fits the protocol, supplies treatment, and tells him to see a GP if it spreads or has not improved within a few days.

Finding a pharmacy that offers these services

Use search for pharmacies and filter by service, such as UTI treatment, contraceptive pill resupply, starting hormonal contraception, shingles treatment, skin conditions or middle ear infections. Our guides to UTI treatment at a pharmacy and renewing your pill go into more detail. Always phone ahead, because a pharmacy listing a service still needs a trained pharmacist on shift.

Official sources to check

• NSW Health: pharmacy services for the community
• Victorian Department of Health: Community Pharmacist Program
• Queensland Health: acute common conditions in community pharmacy
• WA Department of Health: Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot
• SA Health: community pharmacy expanded scope of practice
• Tasmanian Department of Health: pharmacy scope of practice
• ACT Government: skin condition treatment at a pharmacy
• NT Health: community pharmacy expanded scope of practice program

These programs are changing quickly, with new conditions added every few months. Check your state health department before you rely on a pharmacy visit, and remember that a pharmacist referring you to a GP is a normal part of the service.