Montu has welcomed the Albanese Government’s announcement of reforms to strengthen medicines safety and improve information-sharing across Australia’s healthcare system, describing the measures as an important step towards the development of a National Medicines Record.

Jodie Thomas, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Patient Advocacy at Montu, said the reforms reflect a shared responsibility across the health system to ensure patients receive safe and coordinated care.

“A complete and accurate medicines history is a fundamental safeguard for patients, particularly those receiving care across multiple settings,” Ms Thomas said.

“These reforms recognise that better access to medicines information supports sound clinical judgement and reduces the risk of avoidable harm.”

“We welcome Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler’s leadership in responding to Alison Collins’ advocacy to advance reforms placing patient safety at the centre of digital healthcare,” she said.

The reforms will require medicines prescribed and dispensed through online and telehealth services to be made visible through My Health Record, alongside relevant clinical context. 

This will, for the first time, enable patients, prescribers and pharmacists to access a more complete and current view of medicines use, supporting safer prescribing, dispensing and continuity of care.

The Government has committed to the design and development of a National Medicines Record, drawing on existing digital health infrastructure such as electronic prescribing, Active Script Lists and My Health Record. 

The reforms align with broader efforts to integrate digital and in-person care and to ensure consistent and high standards apply across all models of health care delivery.

Montu noted the support expressed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, which has described the changes as a sensible and measured approach to improving communication between telehealth providers and general practice.

A consultation process is underway, with the first phase of work to include medicines information from all online prescribers by default expected to be completed by December 2026.

Ms Thomas said Montu looks forward to continued engagement with government, clinicians and regulators as the reforms are implemented.