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An Expert Advisory Group to explore practitioner distress while involved with the regulator was commissioned by Ahpra and the National Boards in 2021. It provided an overview of its findings in October 2022 and made recommendations in February 2023.
At November 2025, 13 of the 33 actions recommended by the Expert Advisory Group on minimising practitioner distress had been fully completed. This report outlines the progress made in implementing the recommendations.
In 2021, Ahpra and the National Boards commissioned research into the experiences of practitioners going through a notification, with a particular focus on understanding distress, self-harm and suicide.
Ms Rachel Phillips, Chair of Psychology Board of Australia (Chair)
Ms Susan Biggar, National Manager of Regulatory Experience and Engagement, Ahpra
Ms Amanda Haimes, practitioner member with lived experience
Mr Matthew Hardy, National Director of Registration, Ahpra
Associate Professor Manaan Kar Ray, psychiatrist and Divisional Director, Adult Mental Health, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane
Ms Monica Lambley, A/Executive Director of Health Regulation, Ahpra
Ms Lizzie Lockett, CEO of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, UK
Mr Pat Maher, State Manager South Australia, Ahpra
Dr Susan O’Dwyer, Chair of Medical Board of Australia
Dr Janine Rowse, practitioner member with lived experience
Ms Catherine Schofield, member of Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
Ms Carly Smalley, family member with lived experience
Mr Justin Untersteiner, CEO of Ahpra
Dr Anna Van der Gaag, Visiting Professor in Ethics and Regulation from the University of Surrey, UK
We acknowledge the contributions of past members Dr Anne Tonkin AO, Chair, Medical Board of Australia; Ms Kym Ayscough, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, Ahpra; Mr Martin Fletcher, CEO, Ahpra. Position titles correct at time of membership.
