Association calls for clarity on natural medicine policies prior to Australian election

Advocating on behalf of its national network of 9,000 accredited practitioners, the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS), has called for clarity on natural medicine policy priorities from all major candidates prior to the next term of Government.

The natural medicine industry has been adversely impacted by policy review, workforce restrictions and vaccine mandates in many states and territories over the past two years. The industry contributes $9.6 billion annually to the Australian economy, with this in mind ATMS has reached out at a critical time to get a response from the major parties.

Charles Wurf, CEO of ATMS, says natural therapies play a huge role in people’s lives and our public and professional community will want to know where to place their vote.

ATMS has highlighted key priorities to resolve including finalisation of The Natural Therapies Review (NTREAP), the reinstatement of natural therapies to health funds, natural therapies research, Chinese Medicine in Medicare MBS and extended care plans, and resolution of vaccine mandates.

The six key priorities for ATMS are:

1. A response to the still-pending review by the Natural Therapies Review Expert Advisory Panel (NTREAP) of 16 natural therapies which have been excluded from private health insurance.
2. Understanding on preparedness to return the natural medicine treatments to their rightful place within private health insurance.
3. Support of a consistent treatment of all registered health professionals.
4. The inclusion of Chinese Medicine in Medicare MBS and other publicly funded arrangements such as the DVA and Extended Care Plans.
5. Proportional research funding to be allocated to natural therapy treatments through both the Australian Research Council and the NHMRC.
6. Position on vaccine mandates in terms of both AHPRA registered practitioners and other natural medicine practitioners.

To bolster support for accredited practitioners, ATMS introduced Natural Medicine Week, now in its 7th year. Happening from 23 – 29 May 2022, this advocacy event aims to promote, educate and raise awareness of the important role natural medicine can play in the health and wellbeing of Australians.

“There couldn’t be a better time to showcase the power of our industry. The natural medicine industry is made up of small businesses but represents a huge contribution to the Australian economy through the manufacturing and sale of supplements, and practitioner consultations.

“Natural Medicine Week showcases the benefits of our industry, offers free information sessions and allows people to explore an alternative avenue to everyday health and wellbeing,” said Wurf.

ATMS is Australia’s largest national association representing professional practitioners of natural medicine.

For more information on natural medicine, please visit: www.atms.com.au.

For more on Natural Medicine Week, 23 – 29 May 2022, visit: www.naturalmedicineweek.com.au