National Registration Scheme’ Principles Progression

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) and the federal Department of Health’ Officials met with the HSU last week to discuss the National Registration of Health Professionals Scheme.

Following several months of lobbying and awareness raising amongst health professionals, PM&C, who are designing the new scheme, finally came to the table with the HSU.

Our key agenda was to discuss the principles underpinning the establishment of the scheme. These principals are currently being developed by PM&C to put to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to guide the formation of an 'Intergovernmental Agreement'. The Intergovernmental Agreement will contain the criteria for the amendment to States' legislation. It is absolutely key, therefore, that the views of HSU members are considered before the Intergovernmental Agreement finalised.

At a minimum we are seeking consultative arrangements which ensure members' input is provided into the establishment and operation of the scheme.

In addition to this we are seeking inclusion of principles which members have raised into the Intergovernmental Agreement. In summary, the principles being advocated by the HSU for the new National Registration Scheme include:
o Fees reduction
o Longer period of registration
o Balance of representation on boards which include employee professionals
o Procedural fairness in complaints/accusations of a disciplinary matter
o Transparent processes for registering professions
o Cost-neutral 'Continuing Professional Development' framework
o Maintenance of high quality professional standards
o Radiographers & professions registered in more than one state to be included
o Ethical and robust process for registration of overseas trained health professionals

The outcome of the meeting was that PM&C are revising their consultative framework to include the HSU on their advisory groups. They also sought further information on the principles were are advocating for incorporating. We will be pursuing this in writing to assess the fidelity of their (pre-election) promises.

We are continuing to monitor and lobby more broadly on the national registration scheme, so stay tuned. Please also send any comments, questions to:ruthk@hsu.net.au

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