AHPRA urged to step back from minor complaints: Review
15 Sep 2025
Minor complaints against GPs and other health professionals would no longer be managed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) under reforms recommended in a new national review.
The Transforming Health Professions Regulation in Australia report, released last week, puts forward 26 recommendations aimed at overhauling the way health professionals are regulated.
One of the biggest changes suggested is that complaints should be handled through a single entry point in each state and territory, with only serious cases passed on to AHPRA.
The review, led by former NSW Health Care Complaints Commissioner Sue Dawson, described the proposals as an “ambitious transformation program”. It also called for faster investigations, more consistent decision-making, and better access to clinical advice. An audit of all AHPRA cases that have been open for more than a year was also recommended.
The report noted that 85% of complaints end with no further action, but many practitioners are left waiting months or even years for closure. It highlighted growing frustration about the handling of vexatious or frivolous complaints.
RACGP Vice President Dr Ramya Raman welcomed the report, saying GPs have long raised concerns about unfair and drawn-out complaint processes.
“Many GPs want to see significant improvements, and these recommendations are a step forward,” she said. “It is vital that the system protects patients, but also recognises the stress and harm complaints can cause for doctors.”
The independent review began in April 2024 and follows widespread criticism of AHPRA’s complaints system. It recommended against creating an entirely new national complaints body, warning this would only add further delays and complexity.
In response, AHPRA said it is already working on its own reforms, including introducing “Pathway Navigators” to help patients understand the complaints process. The regulator also reported that average assessment times are now the shortest on record.
AHPRA CEO Justin Untersteiner said the agency would work with governments, health departments and medical groups to improve timeliness, transparency and confidence in the complaints system.
The review’s authors said the changes would support the development of a stronger, more sustainable health workforce across Australia.
Source: newsGP
