In Australia’s healthcare system, regulating and accrediting nursing and midwifery are vital for maintaining high standards and ensuring public safety.
The ANMF’s contributions to nursing and midwifery regulation in Australia reflect its commitment to excellence and safety. From advocating for professional recognition to shaping national standards, the ANMF has been a significant force in Australian healthcare. Through its ongoing collaboration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), the ANMF ensures that nurses and midwives are well prepared to provide safe, competent, and compassionate care across the nation.
HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS
The regulation of nursing in Australia began in the early 20th century. South Australia led the charge in 1920 by making nursing a registered profession, followed by Western Australia in 1922, and New South Wales and Victoria in 1924. These milestones established a foundation for a regulated profession that emphasised high standards and education.
Midwifery regulation in Australia also has a distinct history. The Midwives Act of 1901 in Tasmania was the earliest formal regulation, with other states establishing registration by 1926. However, regulation remained state-specific, creating a complex landscape of varying standards until national registration.
THE ANMF’S ADVOCACY FOR NATIONAL REGISTRATION
The ANMF has been instrumental in pushing for national registration and workforce data collection. In October 1989, the ANMF (then ANF) Federal Council passed a resolution supporting these initiatives. The Australian Nursing Council Inc. (ANCI), established in 1992, collected national workforce data, coordinated registration boards, and assessed overseas-trained nurses. Although the ANCI struggled with data collection, its establishment paved the way for the NMBA, ANMAC’s and the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme’s (National Scheme) success in 2010.
THE EMERGENCE OF ANMAC
By the late 1970s, it became clear that a dedicated body was needed to oversee nursing and midwifery education. This led to the creation of the Australian Nursing Council Inc. (ANCI) in 1992 and later, when the National Scheme was introduced in 2010, the establishment of ANMAC.
ANMAC’s role is pivotal: it ensures that all entry-to-practice education programs for nurses and midwives meet rigorous national standards. ANMAC also assesses qualifications of internationally trained nurses and midwives seeking to practise in Australia under the Skills Migration Program. The ANMF has been an active supporter of ANMAC and is represented on the Board of Directors, contributing advice and recommendations to the NMBA.
THE NATIONAL REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION SCHEME (NATIONAL SCHEME)
A significant advancement came on 1 July 2010, with the launch of the National Scheme. The scheme operates Australia-wide to regulate individual health practitioners. It is a vital part of the Australian health system. The National Scheme is governed by a nationally consistent law passed by each state and territory parliament – the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (the National Law).
The National Scheme marked a major shift towards a unified approach to health practitioner regulation. Under the National Scheme, all health practitioner national boards (the National Boards), including the NMBA, focus on public protection. Ahpra manages the registration process on behalf of the National Boards.
The National Scheme has streamlined many processes, allowing nurses and midwives to practise across all states and territories, and providing a consistent registration renewal period and national workforce dataset.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NMBA
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia was established to set policy and professional standards for the professions. In partnership with Ahpra, the Board regulates Australian nurses, midwives, and nursing and midwifery students. Its responsibilities include approving accreditation standards and courses leading to registration or endorsement, and developing standards, codes, and guidelines.
ANMF’S COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
The ANMF’s stance on accreditation is clear: national standards are essential for public safety and high-quality practice. The ANMF believes that the determination and maintenance of these standards should be managed by the nursing and midwifery professions to ensure integrity. Additionally, both registration and accreditation processes should be funded by registration fees, without cross-subsidising other disciplines.
