Make a Complaint - Australian Traditional Medicine Society

The Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professional practice and ethics within the traditional medicine community. As part of this commitment, we have established a clear and structured process for consumers to lodge complaints against ATMS practitioners who may have breached the ATMS Code of Conduct.

If you believe that an ATMS practitioner has acted in a manner inconsistent with the Code, it is important that you report your concern. Our complaints process is designed to be transparent, fair, and impartial, providing a clear pathway for addressing your concerns and ensuring that all complaints are handled with the utmost professionalism.

How to Lodge a Complaint

To lodge a formal complaint against an ATMS practitioner, follow these simple steps:

Complete the Online Complaint Form: Visit the ATMS complaints page to fill out the online form and submit your complaint.
Provide Relevant Information: Be as detailed as possible, providing information such as the practitioner’s name, nature of the complaint, and any supporting evidence.
Submit Your Complaint: Once submitted, your complaint will be reviewed by the ATMS Complaints Committee.

Online Complaint Form

Consumer Guidelines For Making a Complaint

The ATMS Code of Conduct binds ATMS practitioners. If a consumer believes that an ATMS practitioner has breached any aspect of the Code, a complaint may be made against the practitioner.

How Do I Lodge a Complaint?

Complaints can now be lodged online using the ATMS Complaints Web Form. To submit a complaint, please complete the web form.

Once your Complaint Form is received, you will be sent a letter of acknowledgment.

What If I Lodged My Complaint Elsewhere?

If your complaint has been lodged with the police, a health complaints commission, another organisation, or if legal and/or court proceedings have commenced or are pending, the Complaints Committee may not be able to process the complaint until those matters have been resolved.

What Will Happen To My Complaint?

Once your complaint is submitted, it will be forwarded to the practitioner or institution you complained about for their response. To ensure fairness (natural justice), the practitioner or institution must be given the opportunity to respond. While your name and complaint will be shared with the practitioner
or institution, we can conceal your address and/or telephone number if you wish. When the Complaints Committee receives the response, your complaint will be scheduled for review at the next committee meeting. The Complaints Committee is responsible for handling the final outcome of the complaint.

Are All Complaints Processed?

Not all complaints are processed. The Complaints Committee will not consider complaints that are:
• Vexatious, trivial, misconceived, or lacking in substance or good faith.
• Verbal or anonymous complaints.
• Complaints about incidents that occurred more than 5 years ago, unless substantive reasons are provided.

Is the Meeting Open to the Public?

No, the Complaints Committee meeting is not a public hearing or a court of law.

When Will I Know the Outcome?

After the Complaints Committee meeting, you will receive a letter advising you of the decision. The decision of the Complaints Committee is final.

Complaints Committee

The role of the Complaints Committee is to manage complaints received by ATMS from consumers or members of ATMS and, where appropriate, make recommendations to the ATMS Board on sanctions or referrals in regard to complaints.

Meet our Complaints Committee

Donna Eddy

Vice President Director elected 2020

Donna Eddy

Donna Eddy is an active Remedial Massage Therapist & Acupuncturist. She has experience presenting nationally and has taught the current diploma of massage since 2015. Donna was invited as a co-contributor in “Fascia and Sport & Movement” First Ed, 2015, as a result of her strong background in Movement Training and Stretch Therapy. In 2019, her Posture Plus program launched with innovative and integrative ways to optimise treatment results and client compliance to home care. As an ATMS director, Donna aims to utilise her position to engage the industry and is keen to broaden the scope and reach, for both massage therapists and acupuncturists.

Rebecca Lang

President Director elected 2020

Rebecca Lang

Rebecca Lang is a passionate naturopath, entrepreneur, and advocate for natural medicine. With a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) and advanced diplomas in Naturopathy, Western Herbal Medicine, and Nutritional Medicine, Rebecca has spent her career blending traditional wisdom with modern health science. She’s also completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health and Neuroscience, adding depth to her understanding of the mind-body connection.

Rebecca’s journey into natural health wasn’t a straight path. She started with a background in taxation, bookkeeping, marketing, and financial planning, skills she now applies to running her businesses. While studying, she worked in a hospital, alongside specialists and surgeons, and in pharmacies, which gave her valuable insights into the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Today, Rebecca wears many hats. She runs a thriving naturopathic clinic, a popular juice bar and vegan café, and a publishing company. She’s also a co-author of three books, a business mentor, and a retreat facilitator. Through her internship program, she supports and inspires up-and-coming naturopaths and nutritionists to thrive in their careers.

Rebecca’s mission is simple but powerful: to elevate natural medicine and help therapists build successful, respected practices within the healthcare system. She’s deeply committed to creating a future where natural and conventional medicine work hand in hand for better health outcomes.

Chantel Ryan

Vice President Director elected 2021

Chantel Ryan

Chantel Ryan is an admitted lawyer (non-practising since 1 July 2025) with over 15 years of experience in commercial law. After graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), she worked at several top-tier law firms and spent over five years as General Counsel for a national media company.

Chantel later retrained in natural health, completing an Advanced Diploma in Naturopathy and certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York. While studying, she developed and delivered corporate wellness programs, which sparked her passion for integrative care.

Chantel ran her own legal consulting firm for many years before formally stepping away from legal practice. She now supports health practitioners through legal education and contract templates via her business, Legally Healthy, and runs a separate clinical practice, Real Functional Health, offering naturopathic and functional health services. She proudly serves on the board of ATMS.

Cass Duffill

Treasurer Director elected 2022

Cass Duffill

Cassandra Duffill is a seasoned Business & Marketing Success Strategist, specialising in empowering wellness practitioners, therapists, coaches, and heart-led entrepreneurs. With a passion for helping clients attract their ideal clientele, she simplifies marketing strategies for effortless implementation, fostering business growth and diversification.

Transitioning from a successful corporate career to naturopathic practice following personal health challenges, Cassandra leveraged her marketing expertise to achieve multi six-figure success in her first year as a solo parent. After a decade of private practice, she pivoted to support fellow health and wellness entrepreneurs in achieving their business goals.

Cassandra’s mission is to bridge the gap between practitioner expertise and marketing proficiency, believing that with the right mindset and monetization strategies, anyone can achieve success. Based in Australia’s Gold Coast, she speaks at industry events and is celebrated for her insights, featured by renowned platforms like the Female Entrepreneur Association.

Looking for a Practitioner?

If you are searching for a trusted and qualified natural therapist, you can use the ATMS ‘Find a Practitioner’ tool. Search for an Acupuncturist, Aromatherapist, Kinesiologist, Naturopath, Remedial Massage Therapist, Nutritionist and more today!

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