Consultation Hub

Between 28 October 2025 and 10 November 2025, we sought feedback on proposed improvements to the Health Insurance (Bonded Medical Program) Rule 2020.

We heard from over 300 current and former legacy and statutory Program participants, universities and professional bodies who provided feedback on the proposed changes.

We heard support for:

• Removal of the ‘fellowship’ requirement, enabling all participants to commence and complete their Return of Service Obligation (RoSO) earlier in their career.
• Increased flexibility for former Bonded Medical Places Scheme participants with a 52 week RoSO by allowing pro-rata part time RoSO.
• Minimising evidence administration to reduce the administrative burden for participants.
• Altering telehealth eligibility to the location of the provider only.

We heard concerns about changes:

• To location eligibility impacting participants’ ability to return service.
• Being applied inconsistently to legacy and statutory Program participants.
• Adding to existing administration and communication challenges.

Feedback from this survey shaped the advice provided to the Minister. Should changes be made to the Rule, they will commence the day after they are registered on the Federal Register of Legislation. We will keep participants informed about implementation progress.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this consultation.

Between 24 July and 18 September 2025, we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for the DIR 217 licence application (Commercial supply of genetically modified therapeutic from Ferring Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd).

During the 8-week consultation period, we received advice from prescribed Government agencies, the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee, and the public.

We heard support for:

• the thoroughness of the RARMP
• the overall conclusions of the RARMP
• the inclusion of post-release review in the draft licence conditions.

Some submissions sought clarification on prevalence and serotyping of human adenoviruses in Australia.

We analysed the feedback provided during the public consultation process in finalising the RARMP. The issues raised and how they were addressed can be found in Appendices B and C of the final RARMP.

The Gene Technology Regulator issued a licence to Ferring Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd for the commercial supply on 17 October 2025. More details, including the final version of the RARMP and the licence, are available at DIR 217 | Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.

We appreciate all those who provided input to the consultation – your feedback will help to ensure that any risks posed by gene technology to people and the environment continue to be managed.

Between 21 July and 12 September, we asked for feedback on the proposed mandatory training manual for volunteers in aged care.

The consultation ensured that the training framework is inclusive, practical and aligned with the Aged Care Act 2024 and strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards.

We received strong engagement across the sector:

• 1,486 survey responses, including:
  • volunteers (38%)
  • volunteer managers (21%)
  • providers (17%)
• workshops with peak bodies such as Volunteering Australia and Meals on Wheels
• more than 40 written submissions from individuals and organisations, including Dementia Australia, Council on the Ageing (COTA), Ageing Australia, multicultural and disability advocacy groups, and aged care providers.

Feedback showed broad support for nationally consistent, role-specific training that improves safety, dignity and care quality.

Key themes included:

• flexible training options (print, online, face to face)
• empowering language (e.g. ‘minimum requirements’ instead of ‘mandatory’)
• respect for volunteer time and experience
• cultural and disability inclusion, including multilingual and ‘Easy Read’ resources.

Concerns were raised about digital access, over-regulation and the impact on volunteer recruitment and retention. Volunteer managers supported the initiative but asked for practical tools, clear guidance and implementation support.

We analysed all feedback including survey responses, submissions and workshop insights. This informed a thematic framework to refine the training manual and modules.

Key areas of focus included:

• accessibility and inclusion
• volunteer identity and motivation
• training portability and recognition
• support for volunteer managers
• clarity around applicability and registration categories.

Stakeholder suggestions are now being incorporated into the final version of the training manual.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation. Your feedback is helping us build a training framework that values volunteers, supports volunteer managers and providers, and strengthens the safety and dignity of older people.

Read the consultation summary report.

Contact AgedCareVolunteer@health.gov.au for more information.