REGULATION REPORT
Regulation Update
Peter Berryman
Although both NSW and Queensland have continued to remove restrictions in regard to COVID , and these measures are encouraging , it is likely that the shift towards “ living with COVID ” will see mandates lifted and more ATMS members able to practise face to face . The timing of this remains uncertain and while we are pushing for the earliest dates possible it is important that members wait until legislation is published and interpreted before unvaccinated members return to the workplace .
The advocacy by ATMS has been focussed on maintaining members ’ right to work through numerous rounds of lockdowns and restrictions . We have advocated for practitioners to be able to continue working or to return to work as soon as possible and will continue to do so . ATMS has adopted a pro-choice policy .
The Board has made two submissions in regard to vaccination mandates on behalf of members to the relevant Health Ministers in those States currently mandating vaccination for natural medicine practitioners . We are requesting that the sector be exempted on the basis that it is suffering from workplace shortages , that it is low risk and that , increasingly , comparable jurisdictions are dropping these mandates . The submissions have highlighted the jurisdictions where these mandates have been removed , as for example Austria and in the UK in March 2022 for nurses .
In addition to the submissions , the CEO , Charles Wurf and the Treasurer , Christine Pope , have met with both NSW and Queensland Health to brief them on the position . In NSW it appears that there will be a consultation in regard to these mandates in the next few weeks .
Unfortunately , as announcements were made in the Easter school holidays , contacts in the relevant Ministers ’ offices were unable to provide timings for these consultations .
ATMS is also writing to all relevant political parties to ask them what their position is regarding natural medicine and to advise in six key areas . These areas include the NTREAP review and its implementation , the classification of Chinese Medicine as Allied Health , appropriate research funding and their position on vaccine mandates . Their responses will be circulated so that members are briefed on the parties ’ positions on natural medicine .
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