The members of the Australian Naturopathic Council, together with ANTA is pleased to announce that, following the completion of the comprehensive research report, a formal submission to government seeking statutory registration for naturopaths and Western herbal medicine practitioners was finalised and submitted in March 2025. This submission titled Assuring safe and integrated health care: a submission to State, Territory and Federal governments, seeking statutory registration for naturopaths and Western herbalists under the National Registration and Accreditation scheme, marks a significant step towards ensuring safe, integrated health care for both professions in Australia.
The report analyzed risks, benefits, workforce issues, educational standards, and regulatory needs for naturopathy and Western herbal medicine in Australia. It found these professions are widely used, have risks comparable to other regulated health fields, and would benefit from national regulation to improve public safety and accountability.
The submission can be found here, and concludes that statutory regulation is justified and feasible with clear public benefits. The submission has been sent to all state and federal Health Ministers and other relevant government officials.
We are now in the advocacy phase, lobbying for statutory registration under NRAS. All naturopaths are encouraged to contact their local MPs, especially those with health portfolios, to support our application. Please contact your association or ARONAH for more information. Email templates can be found on the ARONAH website as well.
