Consultation Open on Proposed Changes to the Specialist Medical Registration Pathway

Access to specialist healthcare is an important issue for many Australians. Health Consumers Tasmania is sharing this consultation opportunity to help connect consumers and community members with a chance to provide feedback on proposed changes that may influence Australia’s specialist medical workforce.

The Medical Board of Australia is seeking feedback on proposed reforms to the Specialist pathway, which is the pathway used by most specialist international medical graduates (SIMGs) seeking specialist registration in Australia. The Board has released draft Specialist pathway requirements, which are intended to replace the current Standards: Specialist medical college assessment of specialist international medical graduates.

According to the consultation paper, the proposed changes aim to update the design and operation of the pathway for assessing internationally qualified specialists.
The consultation is open to anyone wishing to provide feedback, including:

– Patients and consumers
– Consumer organisations
– Registered health practitioners
– Professional bodies
– Healthcare organisations
– Other interested stakeholders

Participants may respond to specific questions contained within the consultation paper or provide general comments. It is not necessary to answer every question.

Consultation period
Submissions are open until close of business Monday 27 July 2026.

How to participate
Review the consultation materials and submit feedback by email to:
📧 medboardconsultation@ahpra.gov.au

Access the consultation documents
For more information and to access the consultation paper and response template, visit:
🔗 Medical Board of Australia consultations page:
https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/News/Current-Consultations

Privacy and publication of submissions
The Medical Board of Australia advises that submissions are generally published on its website to support transparency and informed discussion. Individuals or organisations may request that their submission, or part of it, be treated as confidential.

What happens next?
Once the consultation closes, the Medical Board of Australia will review all submissions received before considering next steps and any final decisions regarding the proposed Specialist pathway requirements.