Announcement
Following the September 2025 ministerial decision to regulate audiology under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS), the long-anticipated next phase is now officially underway.
For many in the profession, the period since the announcement has felt like an extended pause – important, but frustratingly quiet. Behind the scenes, however, the machinery for a national regulatory transition has been assembling. With the Health Workforce Taskforce (HWT) now formally initiating policy development, we can finally point to tangible movement toward the regulatory framework that will shape the future of audiology in Australia.
The HWT has confirmed that preliminary policy work will commence in the first half of 2026. This marks the real starting line for the transition process. This phase includes analysing the extensive evidence that supported the original Regulatory Impact Statement and, critically, mapping the policy issues that will inform further consultation and ultimately legislative amendments.
Targeted consultation: your expertise will be needed
The early 2026 work includes targeted consultation with key stakeholders, including Audiology Australia as both peak body and certifying authority. Our role is to ensure that:
- existing professional standards and certification pathways are recognised
- the regulatory model supports diverse practice settings
- workforce impacts are fully understood
- the transition is smooth and fair for all current practitioners.
We will work to ensure that the profession’s voice is strong and consistent as policy parameters are shaped.
Public consultation later in 2026
Public consultation, the stage many members have been waiting for, is scheduled for the second half of 2026. This will be the profession’s opportunity to shape the details of registration, including:
- registration standards
- continuing professional development requirements
- English language and recency of practice standards‑of‑practice standards
- recognition of current accredited pathways
- grandparenting and transition arrangements for existing practitioners.
We will support members with briefing materials, submissions, and opportunities to provide input as a collective.
Clearer timelines emerging
While the full implementation timeline remains long, we now have real anchors to plan against:
- Late 2028: expected passage of amendments to the National Law.
- 24–36 months after that: full implementation, establishment of a National Board, and commencement of registration.
These new milestones replace ambiguity with predictability and that’s meaningful progress.
Our commitment moving forward
Over the next 12–18 months, our focus will be on:
- representing the profession through every consultation stream
- keeping members informed with clear, timely updates
- advocating for a transition that recognises existing professional qualifications, structures and strengths
- ensuring certification, accreditation, and standards are aligned with future NRAS requirements.
There is much work ahead – and we are ready.