I have previously reported that there are new drugs laws coming into force in NSW on 5 November 2026 – see Changes coming to NSW drug legislation (July 12, 2026).  I signed up to receive newsletters from Pharmaceutical Services of NSW Health to get the latest information.  The first one arrived today and you can see it here

The first thing that I observed was that nowhere in the newsletter does it mention the word ‘paramedic’.  No problem, it says I can ‘Click here to access resources on the new legislation’.  On that page there is advice for ‘health practitioners’ and tiles for Pharmacists; Medical practitioners; Nurse prescribers; Dental practitioners; Veterinary practitioners and Other health practitioners.  Nothing about paramedics so presumably they are ‘Other health practitioners’.  Clicking on that tile takes you to another page and we get information on Podiatrists, Optometrists, Nurses and Midwives and a link back to find out about the practitioners listed above.  No mention of paramedics.

If we go to the legislation overview page, it says 

Who must comply with this legislation?

This legislation applies to any person or organisation involved in the handling, obtaining, prescribing, supply, distribution, storage, administration or use of medicines, poisons, restricted substances and therapeutic goods in NSW.

These persons and organisations are listed below.

Ahpra registered health practitioners

This includes pharmacists, medical practitioners, nurse practitioners, midwife practitioners, dentists, veterinary practitioners, optometrists, podiatrists, and nurses.

Under the list of ‘Public health entities’ it does list NSW Ambulance; and under the list of ‘Private health facilities’ it lists ‘Ambulance and paramedic services’. 

Given there are 15 registered health professions they have missed eight of them. I’m not sure what drugs are used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners, Chinese Medicine practitioners, Chiropractors, Medical Radiation practitioners, Occupational Therapists, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists or Psychologists but I’m sure they have to comply with the new laws too.  And from the perspective of this blog we know that not only do paramedics carry a wide range of drugs, they administer them on their own initiative so they are responsible for the safe management and correct usage of a wide range of schedule 2, 3, 4 and 8 drugs but no-where on this information webpage do they get a mention. 

Further the information has no discussion about drugs in first aid even though the changes there are quite significant. 

The newsletter does say ‘… many regulatory requirements will remain unchanged’ and one might infer that they have not added information about paramedicine as they don’t see that there is any significant change. I disagree with that (see my earlier post).  Further the omission to make any reference to paramedicine would not bode well for those hoping that in a new regulatory environment paramedics, rather than their employer, are going to be given a professional authority to possess, supply and administer the drugs required in the lawful practice of their profession.

This blog is a general discussion of legal principles only.  It is not legal advice. Do not rely on the information here to make decisions regarding your legal position or to make decisions that affect your legal rights or responsibilities. For advice on your particular circumstances always consult an admitted legal practitioner in your state or territory.