In the 17 September edition of Check-Up, we reported on our member webinar with Ahpra CEO Justin Untersteiner and the questions AMA Victoria subsequently put to Ahpra in writing. These covered registration fees, notifications, practitioner wellbeing, privacy, professional expression, and other regulatory matters.
Ahpra has now responded in a letter dated 8 October. We appreciate its engagement and the further information provided. However, much of the response restates existing arrangements or refers us to published material, leaving several specific matters unanswered.
The most significant omission concerns pro rata registration fees. Mr Untersteiner indicated at the webinar that a pro rata system would be introduced. We requested a firm plan to deliver it by 1 December 2026, along with advice on fee relief for ill or impaired doctors undergoing rehabilitation during periods of reduced or no income. Neither matter is addressed.
The letter does confirm that eligible Australian and New Zealand medical graduates can defer their registration fee until 31 March 2027, provided they request deferral before applying for provisional registration. The application fee remains payable upfront.
Ahpra also confirms an independent review of the recent privacy breach and its response, and an evaluation over the next 12 months of changes intended to minimise practitioner distress. These are welcome steps. We will seek further detail about the measures taken to prevent another breach and how the findings of both exercises will be reported and acted on.
Regarding professional expression, Ahpra reiterates that the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism is a reference tool, is not legally binding, and has not changed the National Codes. However, it does not explain how use of the definition in regulatory processes is governed and reviewed.
We also proposed a formal liaison arrangement with AMA Victoria to pursue practical reforms, including the handling of low risk and inappropriate notifications. This remains unanswered.
AMA Victoria will pursue these outstanding matters and keep members informed. We welcome continued engagement, but need specific answers and implementation commitments.
Read Ahpra’s full response here.