We Asked, You Said, We Did

Between 17 November 2025 and 16 January 2026, we tested ideas for a new Commonwealth individual disability advocacy program.

We’re committed to improving and building on disability advocacy services, so they are easier to access and better meet the needs of people with disability, their families, carers and supporters.

We heard from people with disability, families, kin, carers, advocacy organisations, community groups, peak bodies, and government agencies. Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas and experiences.

People agreed that individual disability advocacy is very important, that it helps keep people with disability safe, protects their rights, and supports people to make their own choices.

People said advocacy is especially important for people with disability at risk of harm, abuse or neglect, or who feel excluded.

Most people said the new program is a good opportunity. They said it could make advocacy stronger. People said success depends on careful design and careful rollout. People told the government about some key things to focus on, such as:

• supporting different types of organisations, including local and community-based support
   
• supporting more people to access advocacy supports and services, including raising awareness
   
• ensuring services are accessible to people with different culture and language needs
   
• supporting advocates with training and funding
   
• planning changes carefully.

We analysed all feedback including survey responses, submissions, and additional insights. This information has been incorporated into a consultation report, which will guide us to:

• inform the design of the new advocacy program
   
• create the rules for funding and grant guidelines
   
• carefully plan the changes as the new program begins.

The consultation report is now available. It shows who took part, what they shared, and the issues that matter most to them.

The consultation report is also available in Easy Read and Auslan. The Easy Read report is in 2 parts. The first part is about the consultation process. The second part is about what people told us through the consultation.

An Auslan translation will be available shortly. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Thank you for having your say on the future of individual disability advocacy in Australia.

Next steps / watch this space

The final design of the new Commonwealth individual disability advocacy program, including any future grant opportunities, is subject to decisions by government.

Any information about potential grant opportunities will be released publicly on GrantConnect, in line with the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Principles 2024.

Organisations can register to receive notifications about forecast and grant opportunities as they arise.

Between 27 November 2025 and 14 January 2026, we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for the DIR 221 licence application (Clinical trial of a genetically modified (GM) Escherichia coli for the treatment of ulcerative colitis from Melius MicroBiomics Pty Ltd).

During the 7-week consultation period, we received advice from prescribed Government agencies, and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee.

We heard support for:

• the overall conclusions of the RARMP
• the licence conditions for DIR 221.

We heard concerns for:

• potential negative impacts on people and the environment
• the limits and controls proposed in the draft licence.

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 Appendix A of the final RARMP.

The Gene Technology Regulator issued a licence to Melius MicroBiomics Pty Ltd for the clinical trial with the GM E. coli on 4 February 2026. More details, including the final version of the RARMP and the licence, are available at DIR 221 | 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 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 8 September and 3 November 2025, we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for licence application DIR 218 for the commercial release of a genetically modified (GM) tomato from All Aussie Avocados Pty Ltd, trading as All Aussie Farmers.

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 overall conclusions of the RARMP
• the licence conditions for DIR 218

We also heard concerns for:

• the potential negative impacts on people and the environment
• the potential for horizontal gene transfer of the antibiotic resistance gene
• the potential for increased weediness as a result of the introduced genes.

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 All Aussie Avocados Pty Ltd for the commercial release of a GM tomato on 6 January 2026. More details, including the final version of the RARMP and the licence, are available at DIR 218 | 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 5 and 26 September 2025, we sought your feedback on the draft framework for the new National Oral Health Plan (NOHP).

During the consultation period, we received feedback from consumers, dentists and other dental practitioners, oral health students, researchers and academics. We heard from many organisations, including from government agencies, consumer advocacy groups, universities, industry organisations and health services.  

We’ve put together a summary of what we heard at: Summary of public consultations on the new National Oral Health Plan | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

We appreciate the feedback we have received from all respondents. We analysed this feedback carefully, alongside feedback from a targeted First Nations engagement. We’re now finalising the plan.

Once the plan has been finalised and agreed by all Health Ministers, it will be published. 

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.

Between 15 July and 9 September 2025, we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for the DIR 216 licence application (commercial release of genetically modified cotton from Bayer CropScience 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 overall conclusions of the RARMP
• the licence conditions for DIR 216

We also heard concerns for:

• the potential negative impacts on people and the environment
• the cumulative risks of the introduced genes
• the potential for increased weediness as a result of the introduced genes

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 C and D of the final RARMP.

The Gene Technology Regulator issued a licence to Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd for the commercial release of a genetically modified (GM) cotton on 07 October 2025. More details, including the final version of the RARMP and the licence, are available at DIR 216 | 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 7 August and 6 September 2025, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing sought your feedback on a consultation paper on the Review of My Health Records Legislative Instruments under the My Health Records Act 2012 (MHR Act).  

Four of these instruments are due to sunset (cease) on 1 April 2026 in accordance with the Legislation Act 2003. A fifth instrument was also included in this review, although it is not due to sunset until 1 April 2028. 

We received 26 submissions from stakeholders across the health and care sector, including health professional bodies, organisations representing consumers and those working in the insurance and digital health sector.

We reviewed all the submissions and developed an Outcomes Summary Report based on the feedback received. The findings were organised into key themes aligned with the consultation questions.  

Feedback that was outside the scope of this review will be considered in future reforms, including work to modernise the My Health Record system.  

We appreciate all individuals and organisations who provided submissions to the public consultation for this review. Your feedback played an important role in informing the review and ensuring the instruments remain fit for purpose. 

The Outcomes Summary Report has now been published and can be viewed under related documents.

Between 23 June and 20 July 2025, we sought your feedback on a consultation paper to inform the development of a National Allied Health Digital Uplift Plan (Uplift Plan).

During the 4-week consultation period, we heard from consumers, allied health professionals, peak bodies, software and technology vendors, community organisations, governments, digital health advisors and primary health networks.

From the 396 submissions received through focus group sessions, online surveys and written submissions, we heard:

• there is strong support for the Uplift Plan and a connected and digitally enabled allied health workforce;
• about current barriers to adopt digital health technologies that allied health professionals experience; and
• about meaningful opportunities to support uplift of the allied health workforce.

We reviewed the feedback gathered during the consultation process to inform the development and finalisation of the Uplift Plan in December 2025.

We appreciate all those who provided input to the consultation – your feedback has been instrumental in ensuring the Uplift Plan is practical, relevant and supports the allied health sector to embrace digital health transformation and deliver more integrated care for all Australians.  

Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation. The final report can be found here: National Allied Health Digital Uplift Plan.

Between 14 May and 7 July 2025, we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for the DIR 207 licence application from Oxitec Australia Pty Ltd (commercial release of a genetically modified (GM) mosquito strain to help prevent dengue outbreaks).

During the 55-day consultation period, we received advice from prescribed Government agencies, local government areas, the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee and from the public.

We heard support for:

• the release of the GM mosquitoes.
• the uncertainties identified in the RARMP.
• the overall conclusions of the RARMP.

We also heard concerns for:

• the potential negative impact on people and the environment.
• the effectiveness and need for the GM technology.
• the potential impact on existing dengue control strategies.

The applicant has decided to withdraw the application, and no decision was made.

Earlier in 2025, over 200 participants from local government aged care providers and sector peak bodies shared their views on aged care changes.

Thank you to everyone who participated.

Local government aged care providers told us they:

• have stable and experienced workforces and many volunteers
• often serve as a provider of last resort in rural and remote areas or for people with complex needs​
• help older people to understand the aged care system, including referrals to other support services and programs
• have strong relationships and knowledge within their communities.

Providers raised concerns about:

• providing aged care services with different funding arrangements, including the setting and collecting of participant contributions
• increased costs and resources to deliver services in rural and remote areas and for people with complex needs
• meeting community expectations to help older people navigate the aged care system and manage their cases
• balancing local council governance and community consultation requirements, with the operational and business requirements to deliver aged care services
• attracting and retaining staff in rural and remote areas, the cost of training and registering volunteers, and offering competitive employee wages
• understanding the transition to the new aged care system and changes to provider obligations and funding.

We are considering all feedback for future policy decisions.

If you would like to provide any further feedback on the delivery of aged care services by local governments, please contact us at AgedCareMarket@health.gov.au

Between 2 April and 13 May 2025, we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for the DIR 215 licence application (field trial of genetically modified canola from Miruku Australia Pty Ltd).

During the 6-week consultation period, we received advice from prescribed Government agencies, the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee, and the public.

We heard support for:

• the proposed limits and controls listed in the RARMP
• the uncertainties identified in the RARMP
• the overall conclusions of the RARMP.

Some submissions sought clarification on the potential for increased weediness as a result of the inserted fusion protein, the ability to inspect for related species, and on oversight of the proposed sensory testing.

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 A and B of the final RARMP.

The Gene Technology Regulator issued a licence to Miruku Australia Pty Ltd for their research work with the GM canola on 16 June 2025. More details, including the final version of the RARMP and the licence, are available at DIR 215 | 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 17 March to 28 April we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for DIR-214 licence application (Trial of a genetically modified (GM) vaccine for the prevention of respiratory disease in horses). 

During the 6-week consultation period we received email advice from prescribed Government agencies and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee but did not receive any public feedback.

We heard support for:

• the thoroughness of the RARMP
• the proposed limits and controls listed in the RARMP
• the overall conclusions of the RARMP

We analysed the feedback provided during the public consultation process and took into account submitter suggestions to improve clarity on the methods of decontamination and the origin of the genetic material inserted into the GMO in finalising the RARMP (comments addressed in Appendix A).

The Gene Technology Regulator issued a licence to The University of Queensland for their research work with the GM vaccine for horses on 4 June 2025. More details are available at DIR 214 | Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.

We appreciate all those who provided input to the consultation – your feedback will help to ensure the OGTR continues to manage any risks posed by gene technologies to people and the environment.

Between February and April 2025, we asked for your feedback on a national registration scheme to support personal care workers in aged care. 

We received 585 online survey responses and 48 written submissions from older people, carers, workers, providers and organisations.

Common themes that emerged from this consultation include:

• strong support for aligning requirements and systems between personal care and disability support workers 
• preference to create a register, using a similar model to other professional workforces in aged care, including nurses and some allied health professionals
• strong support for establishing a mandatory minimum qualification 

• support for requiring workers to complete annual continuing professional development hours for their ongoing training requirements. 

We created a summary report that highlights feedback and common themes from the consultation.

This feedback will help shape future policies to professionalise the personal care workforce and better protect older people receiving aged care.

Read the summary report.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation. 

Between 6 March and 17 April 2025, we sought your feedback on the consultation version of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) prepared for the DIR 212 licence application (field trial of genetically modified canola from The University of Adelaide).

During the 6-week consultation period, we received advice from prescribed Government agencies and the Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee, and received email submissions from the public.

We heard support for:

• the proposed limits and controls listed in the RARMP
• the uncertainties identified in the RARMP
• the overall conclusions of the RARMP.

Some submissions sought clarification on the effect of overexpression of one of the inserted genes, the potential for pollen flow outside the trial, and on requirements for further data about the GMOs.

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 A and B of the final RARMP.

The Gene Technology Regulator issued a licence to The University of Adelaide for their research work with the GM canola on 21 May 2025. More details, including the final version of the RARMP and the licence, are available at DIR 212 | 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 November and December 2024, we invited feedback on draft national standards for counsellors and psychotherapists—covering expected experience, skills, and behaviours.

We heard from counsellors, psychotherapists, peak bodies, educators, service providers, and others.

From 19 interviews and 593 written submissions, key themes included:

• Strong support for national standards, along with interest in ongoing consultation.
• Endorsement of a domain-led approach, with constructive suggestions to refine and strengthen the proposed domains.
• Support for aligning with AQF education levels, accompanied by recommendations to assess their suitability across different career stages.
• Suggestions for minor updates to improve workability, particularly in areas such as supervision, professional development, and disciplinary requirements.

We refined the national standards based on your feedback.

You can view the updated standards on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.

Further consultation to guide implementation will begin in late 2025. Details will be shared on the Consultation Hub.

Between November and December 2024, we sought your feedback on how Star Ratings are calculated and other proposed improvements.

We received feedback from residential aged care providers, workers, peak bodies, older people and their support networks.

Approximately 271 people participated in the consultation through in-person and virtual sessions, online surveys and written submissions.

We heard support for:

• changing the way the Compliance and Staffing ratings are calculated and displayed –providing more clarity on the quality of care in aged care homes
• the introduction of half stars to the Overall Star Rating – helping people to make more informed choices about residential aged care
• the display and explanation of environmental restraint policies alongside the Quality Measures rating – providing greater transparency around the use of these practices in aged care homes.

We developed a report of findings. You can access the summary report here.

Star Ratings will transition to a re-designed Compliance rating from commencement of the new Aged Care Act on 1 July 2025.

From 1 October 2025, aged care homes need to meet care minute targets to achieve 3 or more stars for their Staffing rating.

We appreciate all those who provided input to the consultation – your feedback will help to ensure Star Ratings continues to be a valuable resource for all.

Australia’s National Gene Technology Scheme for the regulation of genetically modified organisms is comprised of the Commonwealth Gene Technology Act 2000 and Gene Technology Regulations 2001 (the Regulations), and corresponding State and Territory laws.

The Gene Technology Regulator sought the views of anyone likely to be affected by proposed minor and technical amendments to the Regulations.

A consultation paper was published online to assist interested stakeholders in addressing the consultation questions.

During the 4-week consultation period, a total of 15 submissions were received from the research sector (universities, research institutes and researchers), agriculture-related peak bodies, government agencies, one company and one non-government organisation.

Submitters generally indicated they would benefit from improved clarity in the legislation.

Submitters that are regulated under the Act indicated that their regulatory burden would be either unchanged or reduced as a result of the amendments, for example, through improved clarity of regulatory requirements.

Although the amendment proposals received varying degrees of support from submitters, the issues raised by submitters did not warrant changes to the proposals.

We analysed the feedback provided during the public consultation process and took into account submitter suggestions to improve clarity in finalising the Gene Technology Amendment (Minor Measures) Regulations 2025.

Following approval by the Gene Technology Ministers’ Meeting, the amendments to the Regulations were made by the Governor-General and commenced on 26 February 2025.

We sought your feedback via the Consultation Hub followed by a stakeholder workshop about the proposed new format for Prescribed List billing codes.

Our initial proposal was a 5-digit ANNNN format.

You raised concerns that the ANNNN format did not allow for sponsor-specific prefixes.

You raised concerns about system changes and implementation timeframes.

You suggested alternative formats:

• a 6-digit format
• using the same format as Part B billing codes (AAANN)
• remapping billing codes
• reusing previously deleted billing codes
• using AANAN format

Other parameters or matters we all identified:

• preference to retain a sponsor-specific prefix
• the format must clearly distinguish between PL and MBS and ARTG codes
• the format must clearly distinguish between medical devices (Part A, C and D) and human tissue products (Part B)
• remapping would require substantial resources
• reusing billing codes would risk losing or mixing historical data between devices and/or sponsors

We reviewed all suggestions, feedback and parameters and decided on the following format:

AXNNN, with AX remaining as a sponsor-specific prefix.

This format addresses all risks and parameters.

There are over 80 previously deleted billing codes that have used this AXNNN format. We will ensure that these billing codes are not reused or reallocated by the Health Products Portal (our online application system for the PL) in the future.

***YOU CAN FIND A TEST XML FILE AND THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN IN THE 'RELATED' SECTION BELOW***

***PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE NO FORMAT CHANGES TO PART B BILLING CODES***