What has changed?
The 2023/24 annual registration fee is set at $526 for NSW registered osteopaths. For 2022/23 this amount was $461.
Who does it affect?
All registered osteopaths are required to pay an annual registration fee via the Osteopathy Board of Australia.
When are fees due?
The annual registration fee will apply from 20 September 2023 and for the registration period of 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024.
Which agency do osteopaths pay their registration fee to?
Registered osteopaths pay an annual registration fee to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
How are registration fees calculated?
The national registration fee for all NSW registered health professionals under the national scheme comprises of two components:
- a registration and accreditation component that is independently determined by Ahpra and the relevant National Board; and
- a complaints component that is decided by the relevant NSW Council.
The complaints component for NSW health practitioners is subject to approval by the NSW Minister for Health under section 26A of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW).
The complaints component is a cost recovery model and is not subsidised by other health professions. For more information on the composition of the registration fees please refer to Aphra website.
Osteopathy registration fees 2023/24 table
Why do NSW osteopaths pay a different amount?
NSW is a co-regulatory jurisdiction. The Council and the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) jointly assess and manage complaints about an osteopath’s conduct, health and/or performance. The Council also monitors osteopaths’ compliance with conditions and any other restrictions on practice. In all other states and territories (except Queensland), this work is done by Ahpra with the Osteopathy Board of Australia (including state and territory boards of the Board).
Why has the complaints component increased this year?
This year, the Council has increased the complaints component of the NSW fee for 2023/24 to effectively manage the increasing volume and complexity of hearing activities.
Fees ensure the regulation process is sufficiently resourced. This in turn protects public health and safety, and builds confidence and trust in the profession.
How does the Council manage its costs?
The Council manages its costs as efficiently as possible. This includes setting an annual budget and regularly monitoring financial performance and ensuring it has appropriate levels of equity.
Do the fees paid by osteopaths fund the regulation of other professions?
No. There is no cross-subsidisation in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. The registration fees of osteopaths only fund the regulation of the osteopathy profession in Australia. The Council publishes detailed financial information in its annual report about its income and expenditure, available online at https://www.osteopathycouncil.nsw.gov.au/.