General Support for Statutory Registration
(Balanced, suitable for most MPs)
Subject: Support for statutory registration of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine
Dear Honourable Member [Surname],
I am a constituent of your electorate and a member of the Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH). I am writing to request your support for the inclusion of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine in Australia’s National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS).
After five years of work, ARONAH—together with members of the Australian Naturopathic Council (ANC) and other collaborating organisations—has formally submitted an application for statutory registration to government. This submission is informed by the independent 2025 research report, Assuring Safe and Integrated Health Care: A Review of the Risks, Benefits, and Regulatory Requirements for the Professions of Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine commissioned by the ANC.
The report comprehensively examined the risks, benefits, workforce, education standards, and regulatory requirements of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine in Australia. It found that these professions are widely used by the Australian public, involve significant and identifiable risks comparable to other regulated health professions, and require consistent national regulation to strengthen public safety and practitioner accountability.
Importantly, the report assessed the professions against the criteria for registration and concluded that statutory regulation is applicable, feasible, and warranted, with public benefits outweighing potential costs. ARONAH and the Australian Naturopathic Council have now formally lodged a submission to government.
I respectfully ask that you give consideration to this submission and support its progression through the appropriate health ministerial processes. Statutory registration would help ensure clear professional standards, improve consumer protection, and support the safe integration of naturopathy within Australia’s broader healthcare system.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further and am happy to provide supporting materials or arrange a briefing with ARONAH representatives if helpful.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kind regards,
[Your full name]
[Your suburb / electorate]