May 2026 column by State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP
WOMEN will soon be able to have the oral contraceptive pill prescribed and resupplied by eligible pharmacists without a consultation fee. This avoids the need to visit the GP.
In order to provide this service, pharmacists who have already completed a graduate
certificate will need to undertake a NSW specific workshop.
This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to make healthcare more accessible and affordable including:
- Allowing GPs to diagnose and prescribe for ADHD so you avoid high costs and long specialist wait times,
- Slashing emergency department wait times for emergency patients
- Introducing the FluMIST to make flu shots more accessible for young children
- Healthdirect -free health advice from a registered nurse, on 1800 022 222. This service helps you decide if you need to visit a GP or emergency. There is also the Mental Health Hotline on 1800 011 511.
Electric Vehicle Strategy
THE Minns Labor Government has updated its EV strategy to make the shift to EVs easier by rolling out more chargers, getting more electric trucks on the road, and training the workforce needed to safely service vehicles and chargers.
The Strategy includes:
- Getting fast chargers where they’re neededmost –plugging blackspots in regional, remote and suburban areas.
- Installing more kerbside chargers to help EV drivers who can’t charge at home.
- Getting more electric trucks on the roads, by expanding support to include small and medium sized trucks.
- Training 2,000 mechanics in regional parts of NSW to service EVs and chargers.
Good news for stargazers
I WAS delighted to open the Mallanganee Observatory-Lookout on the Richmond Range in April, a project I backed from the beginning for its tourism potential. The observatory is uniquely positioned directly under the centre of the Milky Way. This project was funded with over $2 million from the NSW Government Regional Tourism Activation Fund, and over $1 million from Kyogle Council. Well worth a visit.
Photo Caption: Celebrating the opening of the Mallanganee Observatory-Lookout. Photo: Jimmy Malecki
