The Albanese Government is continuing to deliver more choice, lower costs and better health care for women with an expanded pharmacy trial set to provide access to medicines.  
 
Previously announced for concession card holders only, the trial will now be expanded to provide access for all women, helping more women access timely, affordable and convenient care through their local pharmacy.
 
An estimated 900,000 Australian women could now benefit from the 12-month trial once it rolls out from early next year, which will allow them to access pharmacy treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and initiation or re-supply of hormonal contraception.
 
Access to hormonal contraception without a GP visit will be included in the trial so long as it is permitted under the rules of the state or territory in which it is provided.
 
The Albanese Government will cover pharmacist consultation costs, providing substantial savings of up to $38 per visit and women will pay no more than $25 per script.

These reforms are being delivered to Australian women under the Albanese Government’s $792.2 million women’s health package, which includes:

• the first new contraceptives were added to the PBS in 30 years, and;
• improved access to IUDs and the contraceptive implant, with larger Medicare payments and more bulk billing. This saves 300,000 women a year up to $400 in out-of-pocket costs 

Since announcing our women’s health package last year, more than one million women have accessed almost 4.9 million cheaper scripts for new contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies and endometriosis treatment listed on the PBS.

As at 26 October 2026.