Media Release
Audiology Australia welcomes the announcement at the Health Ministers Meeting on 12 September that audiology will be registered under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS), and therefore Ahpra, the operational agency that administers NRAS.
The long-awaited decision, which has been broadly supported by Audiology Australia members, is a significant step towards strengthening the reputation of the profession.
Reflecting decades of advocacy from Audiology Australia, registration under NRAS will deliver important outcomes, including title protection, stronger safeguards for the public, and consistent standards across both the public and private sectors, says Audiology Australia CEO Leanne Emerson.
“This is a fantastic development in our ongoing efforts to heightened recognition of the important role that audiologists play to treat Australians with hearing and balance concerns and to safeguard the Australian public,” says Ms Emerson
“We would like to recognise the hard work of members and others within the sector who provided feedback on the various consultations and advocated for the profession.”
Audiology Australia can confirm that no further details have been provided at this stage, and notes that the release of the NRAS Complexity Review in July and the Health Ministers Meeting’s recommendation to undertake further policy work make it unclear how this decision will be implemented. However, the organisation is committed to a smooth transition when updates become available.
“Audiology Australia will work closely with government and policymakers to ensure the model delivers the outcomes that audiologists and the community expect,” says Ms Emerson.
Available for Interview
Leanne Emerson, Audiology Australia CEO
Dr Barbra Timmer, President of Audiology Australia
Contact
Audiology Australia Marketing and Communications Team: communications@audiology.asn.au