Tas Annual Report Summary 2015/16

Foreword from the AHPRA Chair and CEO

The regulation of almost 660,000 registered health practitioners across 14 health professions and a federation of eight states and territories is a large and important task.

AHPRA and the National Boards rely on the local knowledge and expertise of boards, committees and our offices in each state and territory to protect the public Australia-wide. Our number one priority is patient safety while enabling a competent and flexible health workforce to meet the current and future health needs of the community.

There are 14,123 registered health practitioners with a principal place of practice in Tasmania. This represents 2.1% of all Australian practitioners, and an increase of 1.7% year on year.

While maintaining a strong local presence, in 2015/16, the Tasmanian office focused on combining strengths with the AHPRA office in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), with staff working between the two offices and collaborating on new common processes.

The Boards cemented gains made last year in engaging with external stakeholders, with a program including presentations at a range of monthly board meetings. Boards have also ramped up their stakeholder engagement and professional development programs in Tasmania.

Tasmanian office representatives have attended a number of stakeholder forums to share information about the National Scheme and discuss any relevant profession-specific issues. Staff regularly conduct briefings for new and transitioning practitioners.

In partnership with local state boards and committees, the Tasmanian office ensures timely and effective regulatory decision-making. This is consistent with our shared regulatory principles and our commitment to being a risk-based regulator.

We thank the staff of the Tasmanian AHPRA office, as well as local board and committee members, for their hard work and commitment over the past year. While much has been achieved, there is always more to do. We look forward to continuing to work with them to serve the Tasmanian community.

photo of Martin Fletcher

Mr Martin Fletcher,
Chief Executive Officer

photo of Michael Gorton

Mr Michael Gorton AM,
Chair, Agency Management Committee