Advocacy

16 April 2025

ANTA is proud to share and confirm a landmark development for natural therapies in Australia: 

the Federal Health Minister has formally accepted the recommendations of the Natural Therapies Review Expert Advisory Panel (NTREAP), paving the way for the reinstatement of private health insurance rebates for Naturopathy, Western Herbal Medicine, Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Shiatsu, and Alexander Technique.  

This milestone is the result of years of dedicated advocacy, rigorous evidence review, and the collective efforts of ANTA members, allied associations and key stakeholders in our industry. 

This achievement is not just a policy change – it is a recognition of the vital role that natural therapies and their practitioners play in supporting the health and wellbeing of Australians.  

While the decision to offer coverage now rests with individual insurers, ANTA will work closely with health funds and government agencies to support a smooth transition and re-establish provider credentialing.   

Naturopathic and Herbal medicine practitioners, in particular, are at the forefront of preventive health, helping to manage chronic conditions, reduce the burden on the healthcare system, and empower patients to take charge of their wellbeing.  Evidence shows that naturopathic care, when delivered by qualified practitioners, can improve outcomes for people living with complex and chronic diseases, and often reduces the need for GP and hospital visits. 

And this is why this is such a proud moment for our profession and the communities we serve. 

Together, we have demonstrated the strength and unity of natural therapy practitioners.  And we extend our sincere gratitude to every member, stakeholder and in particular, the NTREAP expert committee, for their commitment, resilience, and engagement throughout this process. 

The NTREAP’s thorough review, which included extensive stakeholder consultation and evidence evaluation, has ensured that the voices of practitioners and consumers were heard and respected.  The review also serves as a highly valuable resource that provides the public with greater access to information and a clearer understanding of the effectiveness of natural therapies in their healthcare choices. 

Thank you for your trust and advocacy – this outcome belongs to us all.