The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is introducing a new national SMS Sender ID Register to improve the security of SMS messages in Australia and help reduce scam activity.
What is changing?
From 1 July 2026, organisations that send SMS messages using a branded name (for example, a business or organisation name shown at the top of a text message) must be registered and verified through the new ACMA SMS Sender ID Register.
This system allows mobile carriers to confirm whether an SMS sender is legitimate before messages are delivered or displayed.
Why this change is being made
This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to reduce SMS scams where criminals impersonate trusted organisations such as insurers, banks, and government services.
The new register will help improve trust in SMS communications and make it easier to identify legitimate messages.
What it means for members
For members receiving messages from your organisation:
- SMS communications (like insurance reminders, AHPRA reminders, provider audits, and renewals) will only be sent to people who have opted in
- An opt-in/opt-out system is already available in your member portal
When does this start?
The SMS Sender ID Register is expected to be enforced from 1 July 2026.
Our commitment to members
We support initiatives that improve communication security and help protect members from scams. This change is designed to make SMS messaging safer and more transparent across Australia.
