On 1 September, AMA Victoria hosted a member webinar with Ahpra CEO Mr Untersteiner, moderated by AMA Victoria President Dr Simon Judkins and Dr Mukesh Haikerwal AC. Members can listen to the recording here.
The discussion was structured around questions submitted by members. These included registration fee arrangements, the notifications process, practitioner wellbeing, privacy, expedited registration pathways for internationally qualified specialists, and Ahpra’s use of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism as a reference tool.
Mr Untersteiner advised that Ahpra’s review of registration fee arrangements is continuing. He indicated that a pro rata fee system is intended, although no implementation timetable was provided. A clear and welcome development was confirmation that new interns would be able to defer payment of their registration fee until 31 March. Ahpra formally confirmed this arrangement on 9 September. Mr Untersteiner also said he would take away and consider the issue of full registration fees for ill or impaired practitioners.
Mr Untersteiner also discussed changes to Ahpra’s handling of low risk and vexatious notifications, plans to seek input from practitioners with lived experience, and improvements he says have been made to Ahpra’s investigation times. Ahpra also provided further information on vexatious notifications vexatious notifications and work to reduce practitioner distress.
Mr Untersteiner provided some useful reassurance on the IHRA definition and freedom of expression. Ahpra says the definition is used as a reference tool rather than a new enforceable standard and does not create new obligations for practitioners. It also says practitioners will not be investigated simply for expressing political or humanitarian views, provided their expression does not involve discrimination, harassment, or harm. Further information is available here.
AMA Victoria has written to Ahpra to confirm what was said and seek further clarity. We have requested a firm implementation plan for pro rata fees by 1 December, further detail on registration and leave arrangements, and more information about low risk and vexatious notifications and investigation times. We have also sought answers about Ahpra’s recent privacy breach, practitioner wellbeing, Doctors’ Health services, and specialist pathways. On the IHRA definition, we have asked how it will be used in regulatory decision making, how lawful political and humanitarian commentary will be distinguished from conduct warranting regulatory action, and what safeguards apply against low merit or weaponised complaints.
We will update members when Ahpra responds.