New rules for GP SMS messages: sender ID registration deadline approaching
01 Jun 2026
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has confirmed that any organisation using a branded name in text messages will need to register that sender ID through their telco or messaging provider. This is part of the Federal Government’s plan to reduce scams and stop criminals from impersonating trusted services.
GP clinics that send SMS reminders, test results, prescription updates or patient alerts must ensure their practice name is registered before the deadline. Messages sent from unregistered IDs may appear as “unverified” and be grouped with spam messages on patients’ phones.
RACGP expert Dr Rob Hosking said the change should improve communication between practices and patients, helping people trust that important messages are genuine and reducing the chance of them being ignored.
ACMA Deputy Chair Adam Suckling said sender IDs are commonly used by many businesses, including healthcare providers, schools and small businesses, and failing to register could lead to missed or untrusted messages.
The register checks details through the Australian Business Register to confirm authorised use of the sender ID. If business details are not up to date, registration may be refused.
Practices are urged to complete registration as soon as possible to avoid disruption after 1 July.
New rules for GP SMS messages: sender ID registration deadline approaching
Source: ACMA / newsGP