Independent Review of Complexity in the National Scheme

In 2023, Health Ministers commissioned an independent review of complexity in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.

On 12 September 2025, Health Ministers released the final report, outlining 26 key actions for change in the National Scheme. Ahpra welcomed the findings which align with what we’ve been working towards: safer care for patients and better support for practitioners. Read our media statement here.

Person planning out a process on a whiteboard Person planning out a process on a whiteboard

Health Ministers are overseeing the response to the review, with support from the Health Workforce Taskforce (HWT). Ahpra is leading the implementation of some actions and collaborating with Ministers and the Taskforce to support all recommendations.

While some of the review’s actions are still under consideration, Ahpra is already working on some of the key actions for improvement. This includes:

  • Finalising a new National Scheme Strategy to chart its future direction
  • Better protect the public from harm, such as releasing new guidance on medicinal cannabis and cosmetic surgery
  • Conducting our own end-to-end review of the notification system
  • Carrying out a review of Ahpra’s organisational skills, roles and tools to be a contemporary regulator of health practitioners

We’re committed to keeping you informed as this work progresses. You can track our progress through the dashboard below, which we’ll update regularly.

For further information, please contact [email protected].

Actions underway

Action Status Expected timeline
Action 1.7:
Ahpra Board to undertake proactive data analysis and regulation in three focus areas
Status: In progress Expected timeline:
2026
Action 2.2:
Review assessment criteria for entry to National Scheme
Status: In progress Expected timeline:
Following agreement to proceed
Action 3.1:
Transition Ahpra Agency Board to National Scheme Board
Status: In progress
While Ministers are considering options, the Ahpra Board is working to improve the governance of the National Scheme
Expected timeline:
2026-27, depending whether legislative amendments required
Action 3.2:
Ahpra Board to establish new structural governance arrangements
Status: In progress Expected timeline:
2026
Action 3.3:
Ahpra Board to commission independent organisational capability review
Status: In progress Expected timeline:
2026
Action 3.4:
Ahpra Board to develop new National Scheme Strategy
Status: In progress Expected timeline:
Early 2026
Action 3.5:
Health Ministers to issue Policy Direction regarding accreditation functions
Status: In progress
Ahpra has proactively started work on accreditation reforms. Ministers will make further decisions on this action.
Expected timeline:
Following agreement to proceed
Action 3.7:
Ahpra and National Boards to establish transparent governance processes for board structures and cross profession decision making
Status: In progress Expected timeline:
2026
Action 4.1:
Deliver unified national approach to health complaints handling
Status: In progress Expected timeline:
2026
Action 4.2:
Ahpra to improve notifications processes
Status: In progress
(some sub-actions complete)
Expected timeline:
2025-26
Action 4.3:
Ahpra to improve timeliness and quality of investigation processes
Status: In progress Expected timeline:
2025-26
Action 4.4:
Ahpra to identify tribunal cases with specific references to adequacy of Ahpra practices and processes
Status: Complete
First stage completed and further work underway
Expected timeline:
2025
Action 4.7:
Ahpra to research health practitioner tribunal decisions (2020-25) and advise on inconsistencies
Status: In progress Expected timeline:
Mid 2026

Actions awaiting agreement to proceed

Action Status Expected timeline
Action 1.1:
Develop Ministerial Council Statement of Expectations
Status: Not started Expected timeline:
Following agreement to proceed
Action 1.3:
Consider a Strategy Assembly on health workforce and practitioner regulation
Status: Not started Expected timeline:
Following agreement to proceed
Action 1.4:
Streamline health, disability and aged care professions regulation
Status: Not started Expected timeline:
Following agreement to proceed
Action 1.5:
Health Chief Executives to formalise an Australian Health Regulators Network
Status: Not started Expected timeline:
Following agreement to proceed
Action 3.6:
HWT to advise on administrative, policy or legislative actions needed to strengthen accreditation functions
Status: Not started Expected timeline:
Following agreement to proceed
Action 4.5:
Legislation Committee to prioritise National Law amendments relating to right of review of notification decisions and other possible amendments
Status: Not started Expected timeline:
Following agreement to proceed