New pharmacy business ownership legislation

In March 2024, the Pharmacy Business Ownership Act 2024 (the new Act) was passed by Parliament.

The new Act will commence in parts. On 1 September 2024, the parts of the new Act that establish the Queensland Pharmacy Business Ownership Council (Council) as a statutory body commenced.

When the new Act commences in full it will repeal and replace the current Pharmacy Business Ownership Act 2001 (the 2001 Act). The new Act will:

• establish a licensing framework for the ownership of, and interests in, pharmacy businesses
• clarify who may own or hold an interest in a pharmacy business
• retain the current limits on the number of pharmacy businesses that a person may own or hold an interest in

Please see the Explanatory Notes for the Pharmacy Business Ownership Bill 2023 for more information about the legislation.

When will the new Act commence?

The new Act will commence in stages to allow time for implementation of the new Act.

Parts of the new Act commenced on 1 September 2024, establishing the Council as a statutory body.

On 16 June 2025, parts of the new Act relating to the Council’s Chief Executive Officer and staff commenced.

The remainder of the new Act (including the licensing framework) is expected to commence in November 2025. The commencement date will be fixed later in the year by Governor in Council and is subject to Government processes.

Queensland Health encourages existing owners to take steps now to consider the application of the new Act to your business to ensure you have sufficient time to adjust your ownership structure if needed.