Federal health minister Mr Mark Butler has assured audiometrists that they will continue to be recognised as qualified providers under the Hearing Services Program and other relevant Commonwealth-funded programs.
The Australian College of Audiology incorporating HAASA (ACAud inc. HAASA) said the Hearing Health Sector Alliance (HHSA) had received a response about audiometrists’ roles from the health minister. It confirmed they would remain eligible to deliver services under government programs despite upcoming registration of audiologists under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS).
“Recently, (the) HHSA wrote to Minister Butler seeking assurance that audiometrists will continue to be recognised as qualified providers under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP) and other relevant Commonwealth-funded programs, due to the indispensable role audiometrists play in strengthening Australia’s hearing health workforce,” ACAud inc. HAASA said.
“As an executive member of the Hearing Health Sector Alliance (HHSA), we’re proud to stand alongside other leaders and organisations representing the full breadth of Australia’s hearing health community.
“Through this joint advocacy, we are now seeing tangible benefits for our members and meaningful progress across the sector.”
ACAud inc. HAASA said it had specifically sought the government’s assurance on two critical points:
- Audiometrists will remain eligible to deliver services under the Hearing Services Program and other relevant Commonwealth programs, irrespective of NRAS registration status; and
- That the government is committed to supporting a diverse and sustainable hearing health workforce, inclusive of both audiometrists and audiologists.
“We are pleased to share that a response has been received from Minister Butler, stating that “funding for hearing services under the program is expected to remain largely unchanged” and that “the HMM (Health Ministers Meeting) decision (on audiologist registration) is not intended to reduce the scope of practice of audiometrists,” ACAud inc. HAASA said.
Mr Butler also said: “Audiology and audiometry are distinct yet complementary disciplines, each playing a vital and valued role in delivering high-quality hearing healthcare to Australians.”
ACAud inc. HAASA said this was a positive step forward, reflecting recognition of the essential contributions that audiometrists make in delivering hearing health services to Australians.
“ACAud inc. HAASA and HHSA will continue to advocate for a strong, inclusive hearing health workforce, ensuring all professionals in this sector are valued and supported,” ACAud inc. HAASA said on 12 November 2025.
