In March 2007, following an extensive tendering process by the Australian Government, AHA was appointed as the Administration Agency for the Community Service Obligation (CSO) Funding Pool.
The CSO Funding Pool began on 1 July 2006 and was established under the Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement between the Australian Government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. The CSO Funding Pool provides indexed funding of $149 million a year to eligible CSO Distributors that meet specific Service Standards for the delivery of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines to community pharmacies.
The purpose of the CSO Funding Pool is to ensure that all Australians have timely access to the PBS medicines they need, regardless of where they live. Administration of the Funding Pool involves several complex functions, including:
- undertaking payment calculations
- monitoring the performance of eligible CSO Distributors against specific service standards
- administering a complaints process and sanctions framework.
AHA is currently ensuring that the aims of the CSO Funding Pool are met by working objectively and independently to efficiently carry out the above administrative functions. Our team includes
Mr Grant McKirdy who has over 19 years senior experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and wholesale distribution.
Detailed information regarding the operation of the CSO Funding Pool and the obligations of CSO Distributors is available on the
Department of Health and Ageing's website.
If you wish to lodge a complaint regarding a CSO Distributor, in relation to it's CSO obligations, please contact the Agency.
Please contact Richard Stock, Director, on 1300 309 213 or email admin@csoagency.com.au or write to
CSO Funding Pool Administration Agency
Locked Bag 32005
Collins Street East
Victoria 8003
If you lodge a CSO complaint, two signed Confidentiality Deeds are required to be provided to the agency to enable the Agency to inform you of the outcome of your complaint. A copy of the Deed is provided:
CSO Agency -Complaints Confidentiality Deed