Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
National Health Act 1953
Publication of decision to revoke the PBS approval - Kea & J Pharmacy Co Pty Ltd
Revocation of Approval – Kea & J Pharmacy Co Pty Ltd (Approval No. 15276B)
The Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Mark Butler, has revoked the approval of Kea & J Pharmacy Co Pty Ltd (sole director – Mr Sokeo Seng) trading as Woodberry Community Chemist, to supply PBS medicines at shop 4, Woodberry Shopping Mall, 32 Kookaburra Parade, Woodberry, NSW, 2322, effective 26 September 2025.
Reason for Action
Following investigation and report by the Pharmaceutical Services Federal Committee of Inquiry, the Minister was satisfied Kea & J Pharmacy Co Pty Ltd engaged in serious and repeated contraventions of the National Health Act 1953 (the NH Act), including:
Submitting PBS claims that were not supported by a valid prescription or lawful supply;
Making false or misleading statements in PBS claims;
Abusing its approval and misusing Commonwealth funds; and
Failure to attend a duly convened hearing despite being summoned.
The Minister was satisfied the conduct:
Constituted an abuse of its approval.
Contravened sections 92A(1)(f), 103(5)(g), 103(5)(h) and 128(1) of the NH Act.
Demonstrated that Kea & J Pharmacy Co Pty Ltd was unfit to continue to hold a PBS approval.
Public Interest Statement
This decision was made in the public interest to protect the integrity of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and to safeguard Commonwealth funds. The revocation ensures PBS approvals are held only by pharmacists that comply with legislative requirements and uphold the trust placed in them to supply PBS medicines to the community. Maintaining strict compliance standards is critical to preserving equitable access to medicines and sustaining confidence in Australia’s health system.
Legislative Authority
Section 95 of the NH Act empowers the Minister, after investigation and report by a committee of inquiry, to revoke an approval where the pharmacist has engaged in conduct that constitutes an abuse of approval, contravenes the Act, or shows unfitness to continue to hold approval.
Section 134A authorises the Minister (or his delegate) to publish particulars of such action, including reasons, in the Gazette, in the public interest to discourage similar conduct and uphold the integrity of the PBS.
Karen Prstec
Delegate of the Minister for Health and Ageing
Director
PBS Compliance Section
19 November 2025