Policy positions

The ADC regularly contributes to national policy discussions that shape how health practitioner regulation and accreditation respond to emerging issues. Here are our most recent contributions.

Independent review of complexity in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme

In May 2025, Regulating for results Consultation Paper 2: Consultation Outcomes and Reform Directions was released. Theme 3, Strengthening performance, accountability and transparency within the National Scheme, was specifically relevant to accreditation authorities and discussed stakeholder concerns about inconsistent regulatory outcomes, lack of clarity in decision-making, and limited public trust in the system.

Proposed reforms for the National Scheme aim to improve oversight, enhance data transparency, and ensure fair and timely responses to practitioner conduct and performance issues.

The review is now complete, and the final report was submitted in late July 2025 to Health Ministers for consideration.

Joint position on family, domestic and sexual violence by regulators of health practitioners

Oral health practitioners are often among the first health professionals to observe signs of family violence, particularly through injuries or behaviours that present during oral health care. Their trusted relationships with patients place them in a vital position to recognise indicators of abuse and respond with sensitivity and respect to help prevent further harm.

This responsibility is reflected in the ADC’s professional competency 2.4, which requires dental practitioners to be able to identify, assess, and respond to domestic and family violence risks. It also emphasises the importance of prioritising patient safety, providing appropriate information, and making referrals when needed.

The ADC supports the recently released Joint Position Statement on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence, which highlights the critical role of health professionals in the early detection, documentation, support, referral, and delivery of specialised care for individuals experiencing family violence.