In 2021, the Australian Naturopathic Council (ANC) commissioned Dr Anne-Louise Carlton, a Research Fellow at RMIT University, to convene a research team to examine the regulatory requirements for the professions of naturopathy and Western herbal medicine (WHM) in Australia.
The study sought to investigate and better understand the practice of naturopathy and WHM, and to provide recommendations on whether additional measures were required to strengthen regulation, protect public health and safety, and support improved population health outcomes. The project was designed to build on the findings of the earlier government-commissioned study published in 2005 by Lin et al., commonly referred to as the Lin Report.
Assuring Safe and Integrated Practice was developed collaboratively with professional associations, recognised education providers, and organisations representing naturopaths and Western herbal medicine practitioners.
The present study aim is to raise awareness of the current status of naturopaths and Western herbal medicine practitioners within the Australian health landscape and highlight the importance of protection of title for practitioners. We seek to engage this consideration by state, territory and federal Health Ministers.
Authors
Dr Anne-Louise Carlton
Jenny Carè PhD Candidate
Professor Emeritus Stephen P. Myers
Dr Angela Doolan
Sophia Gerontakos PhD Candidate
Associate Professor Amie Stee
Dedication:
This report is dedicated to our dear friend, colleague and co-author Professor Emeritus Stephen P. Myers. Stephen’s visionary leadership, intellect, passion and commitment to naturopathy is sorely missed. Stephen continues to inspire us all to step up and fill the gap.