AHPRA fee structure may cause ‘unfair financial outcomes’, Ombudsman finds

AHPRA fee structure may cause ‘unfair financial outcomes’, Ombudsman finds

27 Nov 2025

The National Health Practitioner Ombudsman (NHPO) released a report on Thursday outlining problems with the current charging model, which requires all practitioners to pay an annual registration fee on a fixed date set by each National Board.

The inquiry began after several practitioners complained in 2022 that they were required to pay a registration fee twice within a three-month period. This can occur when someone registers shortly before the mandatory renewal date. For example, a medical practitioner who pays a fee in July may still be required to pay the annual renewal fee again by 30 September.

The NHPO concluded that this system is “inherently unfair”, as some practitioners are paying for a full 12-month registration period despite not practising or being regulated for that full duration.

The investigation also warned that the model may discourage clinicians from returning to the workforce promptly.

The report found that AHPRA’s strict application of the current system has, in some cases, produced inequitable or unreasonable outcomes. The Ombudsman has now recommended that AHPRA and the National Boards:

  • Review all registration categories and the impact of the current charging structure

  • Consider mechanisms to waive or reimburse fees in specific circumstances

  • Improve all public-facing information, including registration forms, to ensure accuracy and clarity

NHPO Ombudsman Richelle McCausland said health practitioners should be confident that fees are “fair and reasonable”, especially given current cost-of-living pressures.

AHPRA responded by accepting the recommendations and acknowledged that public information about fee structures has “lacked clarity”. The agency said work is underway to improve guidance, transparency and communication around fees, cost recovery and the National Law.

Since the investigation commenced, AHPRA has introduced a 30% rebate for practitioners taking parental or other protected leave. A broader pro rata fee review is expected to be considered in late 2025, with any changes to take effect from 1 July 2026.

Those most affected by the current fee approach include first-time registrants, practitioners returning from parental leave, and those changing registration types. The NHPO also highlighted inconsistencies in publicly available information regarding fee calculations.

Medical Board of Australia registration fees have risen to $1058 for the 2025–26 year, making it the highest among the Boards.

Source: National Health Practitioner Ombudsman – Investigation into AHPRA’s registration charging model (2025).

 
 

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