National Health Practitioner Ombudsman

28/05/2026

We hear from individuals about a range of different privacy-related concerns. Learn more about how Ahpra’s response to a complaint helped to address the concerns that had been raised with us. Read Soren’s story: www.nhpo.gov.au/sorens-story

Please note that ‘Soren’ is not the complainant’s real name, and other potentially identifying characteristics have been removed from this case study. We share de-identified complainants’ stories to help explain our office’s role and how we can help.

Soren contacted our office about Ahpra’s handling of information he provided in response to a public document. Find out more about how we managed Soren's complaint.

21/05/2026

We’ve found that most privacy complaints made to our office are about the inappropriate use or disclosure of personal information by bodies in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. A common example of this is when personal information is shared accidentally with the wrong email address.

You can access information about the types of privacy complaints we receive through our monthly, bi-annual and annual reports: www.nhpo.gov.au/reporting

12/05/2026

You have a right to make a complaint if you think your privacy hasn’t been protected. And your right to complain, and have that complaint taken seriously, is necessary to maintain trust in bodies in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.

Our complaints process generally involves us considering whether the Privacy Act’s 13 Australian Privacy Principles have been respected. This includes, for example, ensuring personal information is used, stored and disclosed appropriately.

Find out more about how to make a complaint: www.nhpo.gov.au/commissioner-complaints

07/05/2026

In support of , throughout May we’ll be sharing information about how we can ensure privacy is protected in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.

The theme for this year is ‘Trust is built here – In every privacy complaint. In every resolution.’

Our office is here to assist with privacy complaints from people engaging with bodies in the National Scheme, including Ahpra, the National Boards, accreditation authorities and specialist medical colleges.

You can learn more about our privacy role here: www.nhpo.gov.au/commissioner-complaints

You can also visit the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner's website to learn more about : www.oaic.gov.au/engage-with-us/events/privacy-awareness-week/paw-2026 -support-privacy-awareness-week

Privacy Awareness Week is an annual event to promote and raise awareness of the importance of protecting personal information. This year, it runs from 4-10 May 2026 with the theme: 'Trust is built here – In every privacy complaint. In every resolution',

24/04/2026

In 2024–25 we received 508 complaints related to Ahpra’s notifications process. Our usual complaint trends continued, with most concerns being raised with us by the person who made a notification to Ahpra.

Broadly speaking, a National Board’s decision not to take further action after considering a notification is the main driver of complaints to our office.

The reasons for this are likely varied. However, it is noteworthy that a National Board’s decision to take no further action is generally the most common outcome of a notification.

It may also be more common for notifiers, such as health care consumers, to raise concerns with us about a decision to take no further action because they are not able to access an external appeals process or because there are barriers (such as costs) associated with taking other actions, such as legal action. In contrast, health practitioners who are the subject of regulatory action can generally lodge an appeal with the relevant tribunal.

Find out more about how we managed these complaints on our website: www.nhpo.gov.au/annual-report-2024-25

15/04/2026

Tim contacted our office regarding a notification he had made about a practitioner who treated his relative. He was concerned that the practitioner had breached his relative’s confidentiality when sharing information online.

Learn more about how our early resolution transfer process with Ahpra helped resolve Tim’s concerns.

Tim contacted our office about a notification he had made about a practitioner who treated his relative

09/04/2026

The most common type of complaint we receive is from people who have made a notification to Ahpra about a registered health practitioner and are dissatisfied with how their concerns were handled.

Learn more about how to make a complaint on our website: www.nhpo.gov.au/make-a-complaint

01/04/2026

We’re helping to keep the public safe by continuously improving the regulation of health practitioners. Our work is guided by the 3 pillars of our 2024–28 Strategic Plan:
1: A fair, transparent and just process: ensuring that our services are accessible and readily understood, and that our responses are independent, timely and proportionate.
2: Actively creating a better system: allowing stakeholders to benefit from our expertise and guidance on administrative best practice.
3: A future-ready office where people thrive: creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for our people while designing processes and systems that empower them to work innovatively and effectively.

Learn more about our role on our website: www.nhpo.gov.au/about-us

20/03/2026

In 2024–25 we received a record number of registration-related complaints. The increase was driven by concerns being raised with us when practitioners sought to use Ahpra’s new online portal and system to renew their registration. We also received more complaints from medical practitioners about their registration fees.

Find out more about how we managed these complaints on our website: www.nhpo.gov.au/annual-report-2024-25

11/03/2026

Health practitioners can raise concerns with us about Ahpra's processing of their application for registration. We will listen to the issues you're experiencing and seek to address them.

If you can, remember to make a formal complaint to Ahpra before contacting us. You can learn more about making a complaint on our website or by contacting us. Visit nhpo.gov.au, email [email protected] or call 1300 795 265.