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Advocacy & Representation

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The Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS) plays a crucial role in advocating for the recognition, regulation, and advancement of natural medicine in Australia. Our advocacy efforts ensure that natural medicine practitioners have a strong and respected voice in key policy and regulatory discussions. By engaging with government agencies, health authorities, professional associations, and consumer groups, ATMS actively works to protect, promote, and enhance the industry while ensuring public access to safe and high-quality allied health and complementary medicine services.

 

1. Government Relations & Policy Development

ATMS is committed to ensuring that natural medicine is recognised and integrated within Australia’s healthcare system.

Our efforts include:

  • Engagement with Federal & State Health Departments – Advocating for policies that support natural medicine practitioners.
  • Policy Submissions & Legislative Advocacy – Providing expert recommendations to shape regulations that impact the profession.
  • Medicare & Private Health Fund Recognition – Working towards reinstating rebates and improving access to natural healthcare services.

2. Regulatory Submissions & Industry Representation

ATMS actively represents members in discussions with major regulatory bodies, ensuring fair policies and compliance frameworks.

We collaborate with:

  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – Advocating for appropriate regulation of complementary medicines.
  • Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) – Working towards increased recognition of natural health practitioners.
  • Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) – Ensuring ethical practice and professional accountability.

3. Health Fund, NDIS & Home Care Package Access

One of ATMS’s key priorities is expanding access to financial support and funding opportunities for natural medicine services, including:

  • Health Fund Recognition – Maintaining eligibility for private health fund rebates for accredited members.
  • NDIS Access & Representation – Engaging with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to include natural medicine in funded services.
  • Home Care Packages (HCP) Advocacy – Pushing for natural therapies to be included in government-funded Home Care Packages.

4. Collaboration with Key Industry & Professional Bodies

To strengthen the role of natural medicine, ATMS partners with leading health and professional associations. , including Universities & Training Providers – Ensuring high standards of education and professional development.

Research Institutions & Think Tanks – Supporting evidence-based research to strengthen the scientific foundation of natural medicine.

5. Public Awareness & Consumer Advocacy

ATMS is committed to educating the public and raising awareness about the benefits of natural medicine through:

  • National consumer engagement campaigns.
  • Friends of Natural Medicine – A public initiative to promote accredited practitioners.
  • Media advocacy to counter misinformation and enhance public trust in natural medicine.

6. Workforce & Professional Recognition Advocacy

ATMS fights for greater recognition of natural medicine professionals by:

  • Lobbying for inclusion in government programs.
  • Advocating for fair representation in health policies and professional frameworks.
  • Ensuring practitioners are seen as legitimate and essential healthcare providers.

 

The Impact of Our Advocacy

Through these initiatives, ATMS ensures that:

  • Practitioners are supported, recognised, and protected.
  • Natural medicine remains a respected part of the healthcare system.
  • Public access to safe, high-quality natural healthcare services is maintained and expanded.

ATMS remains committed to leading the industry and ensuring that natural medicine continues to thrive in Australia’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Join us for Natural Medicine Week

Each year in May, ATMS host Natural Medicine Week, to promote, educate and raise awareness of the important role natural medicine practitioners play in the health and wellbeing of Australians. Practitioners from around the country host a huge variety of online events, provide their health tips in the blog and on social media, and share their tasty natural recipes.

Visit naturalmedicineweek