AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency)

Psychologists have to meet high standards to be registered to practice in Australia. A new Code of conduct and updated professional competencies keep the focus on safe and effective care. You can read more about what's changing on the Psychology Board of Australia webpage: https://bit.ly/4iuwiA5

I’m happy to share that stronger protection is now in place for anyone who speaks up about concerns with a health practitioner. New laws protect people who make a complaint from retaliation. They make it clear that non-disclosure agreements can’t be used to stop complaints either. No one can take away your right to speak up. Keeping the public safe is our top priority, and we rely on people feeling confident to come forward when something’s not right. Thanks to everyone involved in this important piece of work. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g9HrZ5Zw

The number of registered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners increased by 5.1% in 2024/25. Creating a health system that is culturally safe and free from racism for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and practitioners is a guiding objective of the National Scheme’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy. Read about this, and other areas of focus: https://bit.ly/4pzFzci

Violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world. Talking to a health practitioner may be one of the few opportunities for victim-survivors to talk privately about their situation and seek support. Developing the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to family, domestic and sexual violence is an important way practitioners can help to end violence and abuse against women and children. #NoExcuse

I am absolutely thrilled to welcome two outstanding leaders to the Ahpra’s executive team. Leaders who will help us make bold reforms and strengthen the National Scheme for the future. Nicole Brady joins as Executive Director, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Governance. Nicole brings extensive experience driving health system reform in Victoria, including establishing Safer Care Victoria, guiding public health advice during COVID, and leading the Health Services Plan that is shaping statewide health reform.   Helen Townley steps into the role of Executive Director, Health Workforce after acting in the position since September. Helen has held senior positions at Ahpra since 2011, most recently as National Director, Policy and Accreditation. Her deep expertise in law, policy and health workforce regulation will be critical as we navigate the challenges ahead.   Nicole and Helen join a refreshed and energised Ahpra leadership team, poised to bring the next chapter of the National Scheme to life. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gR6kw-xd

Adapting to modern healthcare needs: 2024/25 annual report. Read about the work we have been doing to evolve our approach and make healthcare safer in Australia: https://bit.ly/4oOCuVP

Do you want to use your experience and knowledge to help protect the public? We're looking for a practitioner member to join the Victorian Board of the Medical Board of Australia. Apply before applications close on 14 December: https://bit.ly/3M6JgYt

Australia’s health workforce increased by 4.3% in 2024/25 as we close in on 1 million registered health practitioners. See how our health workforce is growing in Ahpra’s annual report, out now: https://lnkd.in/gFyAqFm4

Today we celebrate acupuncture and moxibustion, the cornerstones of Chinese medicine. Did you know these practices have been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Human Cultural Treasures?  From the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia to you, happy World Acupuncture Day. #WorldAcupunctureDay Learn more about acupuncture and moxibustion: https://bit.ly/40mV2Ck

Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the 2025 National Scheme Mob Meet Up. This gathering brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the National Scheme and key partners to celebrate the impact of our work so far—and to plan what comes next. We’ve made real progress in building cultural safety in the health system. But let’s be clear: racism still exists. And that’s not good enough. At Ahpra, we are committed to doing the hard work to eliminate racism and ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person receives safe, respectful care. Together, we are developing the next Cultural Safety Strategy—a roadmap for action, not words. This is about listening, learning, and acting. It’s about making sure the health system works for everyone. And we won’t stop until it does.