HBA plays a pivotal role, advocating for equity and inclusion
in all issues that govern our independent audiology businesses
We understand the industry.
Since we formed in 2016, we have represented Members to, among others, federal and state governments, the ACCC, AGCNCO, ASBFEO, NDIA, a parliamentary inquiry, HSP reviews, the Ombudsman, universities, and professional organisations and stakeholders. We were a founding member of the Roadmap for Hearing Health Committee, and the Hearing Health Sector Alliance (HHSA).
Some of our early 2026 issues:
Jane represented HBA at Parliament House in March at the launch of “Partnerships with Purpose”, an initiative for a closer healthcare and life sciences collaboration between Australia and Denmark. Their Majesties King Frederik X and Queen Mary attended, along with senior government, healthcare and industry representatives including Anna Driscoll (Director, Sales, Australia, Cochlear), Brent Edwards (Director, National Acoustic Laboratories) and Kim Terrell (Managing Director, Hearing Australia).
Audiologists' and Audiometrists' QP CPD Requirements and your Business.
Australian Privacy Principles.
Business Insurance.
Cybersecurity.
Medicare and ENTs with Contractual Audiology Arrangements.
Members' HSP Questions at our 2026 HBA Seminar.
Queensland Work Health and Safety Regulation.
Some advocacy and collaboration in 2025:
Leadership in the HHSA. Jane, HBA CEO and HHSA Chair, met with key political leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to promote HHSA’s Roadmap.
Government and Industry Engagement
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Department of Health and HHSA: Regulation Impact Study, p. 30.
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Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman: fair business policies & a level playing field.
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Department of Veterans' Affairs: access for veterans and those on low-incomes.
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Allied Health Professions Australia: challenges accessing and using My Health Record.
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Deloitte: Audiology Decision Regulatory Impact Statement.
Industry Standards and Workforce Development. We continue to contribute to key initiatives:
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AudA National Competency Standards for Audiologists Working Group: national competency frameworks.
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Paediatric Competency Standards Working Group: advanced paediatric audiology services' guidelines.
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Teleaudiology Guidelines Working Group: expansion of telehealth services in audiology.
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Hearing Healthcare Workforce Audit Working Group: rural workforce challenges & planning future services delivery.
Business and Professional Representation
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HSP Business Reference Group: HSP reforms, system improvements, and providers' financial challenges.
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University Engagement: advisory committees, and student training and industry discussions with the Universities of Melbourne, La Trobe, Flinders, Macquarie, Queensland, and Western Australia.
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TAFE NSW Health Industry Collaboration Reference Group: workforce development initiatives.
Advocacy for Audiometrists. With ACAud and the Hearing Aid Audiology Society of Australia we advocate for:
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The recognition of Audiometrists in our industry.
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Secure access to HICAPS and insurance claims for devices fitted by Audiometrists.
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We established MOUs with Audiology Australia, and with ACAud inc. HAASA, for collaborative initiatives.
Critical Input to Key Submissions, and Policy Advocacy
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HSP Reforms: Schedule of Service Items, Fees Review, budget changes, Independent HSP Review, and proposed changes which would reduce Claim Items from over 50 to 11.
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National Disability Insurance Scheme: adequate hearing care support.
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WorkCover NSW & WA, and Return to Work SA: fee structures and accessibility.
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Aged Care Royal Commission: better services in aged care.
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Private Health Insurance & House Insurance: concerns related to ‘Preferred Providers'.
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Department of Veterans' Affairs: equitable access to services.
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HICAPS: access for Audiometrists.
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HSP Financial Modelling: analysis conducted in collaboration with Scyne Advisory.
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Audiology Decision Regulatory Impact Statement: meetings with Deloitte team.
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NSW WorkCover Proposed Fee Changes and Return to Work SA: financial implications for providers.
The HHSA provides Members a unique perspective of the status of our industry
A national coalition of consumer, professional, research, and service delivery stakeholders united to improve outcomes for all Australians. It provided advice to government which helped secure $21.2 million for key initiatives, and continues to advocate for national action that promotes access, equity, and innovation.
HBA is an Executive HHSA Member, and one of the eight founding members:
Current HHSA Members:
Hearing Aid Manufacturers and Distributors Association Australia
Hearing Business Alliance
Our CEO is re-elected HHSA Chair
Jane MacDonald is pictured here with Audiology Australia's CEO Leanne Emerson, who was elected HHSA's Deputy Chair, and with Miguel Diaz, the Australian College of Audiology's new CEO.
Congratulations Jane for Audiology Australia's Outstanding Award for Community Service to the Audiology Profession
AudA "recognises the contribution of individual members ... to the profession of audiology, and to promote pride in the profession".
Thank you Jane for long hours on the road, in the air, in Parliament House, at universities, conferences, meetings, and with Stephen, whipping up successful national seminars - all the while there at the end of the phone for our Members.
And for your endlessly buoyant spirit as you mentor budding audiologists and audiometrists on their business path, and advocate for the well-being of all Australians' auditory health, our HBA Members' businesses, and for our profession.
"Confident, inspiring, touching, witty and informative - the children representing First Voice's 'Power of Speech'.
It was a joy to hear their presentations at the Parliament House event which showcased the positive outcomes for children with cochlear implants. Representing First Voice member organisations, they shared their lived experiences, demonstrating the power of early intervention. It was a valuable opportunity to hear first hand from the children and their families. Congratulations to all involved!" Jane
Meeting with Dr Brent Edwards and some of the National Acoustic Laboratories' team, Phil Nakad, Pádraig Kitterick, Xiaoyin Shang, and Dr. Jorge Mejia, in Sydney.
Discussing the challenges faced by small audiology business providers, and some of the NAL's current projects.
The (then) HSP team, Chris Carlile, Gabby Luksza and Rob Aked, on a two-day visit to Mildura, to understand the many challenges for people with ear health issues who live in rural Australia.
At the Mallee District Aboriginal Services, Mildura Base Public Hospital and Country Hearing Care clinic, they heard first-hand about local audiology services.
This included neonatal, paediatric and adult diagnostics, aural rehabilitation, cochlear implants, tinnitus counselling, vestibular rehabilitation, industrial noise surveys and testing, cerumen management, and GP and ENT medical services.
Discussing HBA Members' concerns with Mr Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
Chairing two days of collaborative HHSA meetings, and discussions with the Minister.
Early days: the (then) Dept of Human Services, in Mildura discussing the challenges in remote rural areas, and the small business owners who provide services under HSP and NDIS.
Early days: Meeting The Hon. Mark Coulton, MP, The Hon. Trent Zimmerman, MP, and representatives from the (then) Dept. of Human Services, Social Services, and Health.
Hearing Health Care in Australia - some History
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Submissions to the Inquiry into the Health and Wellbeing of Australia: HBA submissions, page 4, # 61
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Inquiry into the Hearing Health and Wellbeing of Australia and Still waiting to be heard
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Review of Services and Technology Supply in the HSP, Department of Health/PwC
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Peak audiology bodies call for regulation as people are 'vulnerable to exploitation'
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Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): "Issues around the sale of hearing aids"
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ABC's The Checkout - "Had it up to hear" - Youtube video
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ABC - "Hearing aid industry put on notice" - ABC News print article
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ABC - "Have I got a hearing aid for you!" - Audio, and here's the transcript PDF.