March 4th 2026
The Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH) acknowledges the recent announcement regarding the formation of Naturopathy & Western Herbal Medicine United Associations (NATHUA).
ARONAH welcomes initiatives that seek to strengthen collaboration across the naturopathy and Western herbal medicine professions. For many years, fragmentation of representation has limited the profession’s ability to present a cohesive voice to government and key stakeholders.
At the same time, it is important to clarify ARONAH’s distinct role.
ARONAH is not a professional association.
ARONAH is an independent regulatory body established to prepare the professions of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine for statutory registration.
Our mandate is grounded in public protection.
Over recent years, ARONAH has:
- Led the development of updated National Education Standards
- Established nationally consistent Competency Standards
- Developed accreditation frameworks operating at arm’s length from associations and education providers
- Commissioned and published comprehensive regulatory research examining the risk profile of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine
- Benchmarked standards against international regulatory models, including North American and Swiss frameworks
- Prepared a formal submission to government seeking inclusion in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS)
The 2025 Independent Review of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (Dawson Review) highlighted the need for stronger regulatory stewardship, clearer pathways for inclusion of additional professions, and improved public protection mechanisms.
ARONAH’s work aligns directly with these national reform priorities.
As government considers reforms to health professions regulation, it is essential that naturopathy and Western herbal medicine demonstrate:
- Governance independence
- Regulatory maturity
- Evidence-based standards
- International benchmarking
- Clear separation between advocacy and regulation
This separation is foundational to credibility with governments and health ministers.
ARONAH remains focused on securing statutory registration and protection of title for qualified naturopaths and Western herbalists. Statutory registration is the only mechanism that can:
- Prevent unqualified individuals from using protected titles
- Establish enforceable entry-to-practice standards
- Provide effective disciplinary powers
- Ensure consistent public safety protections
Professional collaboration is valuable.
Independent regulatory readiness is essential.
ARONAH looks forward to constructive engagement with all stakeholders as we progress toward statutory registration and a strengthened future for the professions. For further information, please contact: ARONAH Chair