HBA plays a pivotal role, advocating for equity and inclusion
in all issues that govern our independent hearing care businesses

Recent advocacy and collaboration on behalf of our Members:

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Leadership in the Hearing Health Sector Alliance 

Over the past year, our CEO Jane, who was re-appointed HHSA Chair in 2024, met with key political leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to promote the HHSA’s Roadmap for Hearing priorities. The Department of Health recognises the HHSA as the peak hearing sector body, and emphasised the importance of shaping government policies and funding priorities.

 

Government and Industry Engagement

• Dept. of Health & HHSA: Chris Carlile: “The Department very much values the role that the HHSA plays bringing together key hearing health stakeholders ... ensuring we fully understand the needs of the hearing health sector.” Also see Regulation Impact Study, p. 30. 

• Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman: advocating for fair hearing business policies and a level playing field.

• Department of Veterans' Affairs: collaborating to improve hearing health access for veterans and those on low-incomes.

• Allied Health Professions Australia: addressing challenges accessing and using My Health Record.

• Deloitte: consulting on the Audiology Decision Regulatory Impact Statement.

 

Industry Standards and Workforce Development - we continue to contribute to key initiatives which have included:​

• AudA National Competency Standards for Audiologists Working Group: contributing to national competency frameworks.

• Paediatric Competency Standards Working Group: shaping guidelines for advanced paediatric audiology services.

• Teleaudiology Guidelines Working Group: supporting the expansion of telehealth services in audiology.

• Hearing Healthcare Workforce Audit Working Group: assessing rural workforce challenges and planning future services delivery.

 

Business and Professional Representation

• HSP Business Reference Group: input on HSP reforms, system improvements, and providers' financial challenges.

• University Engagement: participation in advisory committees, student training and industry discussions with University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, Flinders University, Macquarie University, University of Queensland, and University of Western Australia.

• TAFE NSW Health Industry Collaboration Reference Group: supporting workforce development initiatives.

 

Advocacy for Audiometrists - we have worked closely with ACAud and the Hearing Aid Audiology Society of Australia to:

• Advocate for the recognition of Audiometrists in hearing healthcare.

• Secure access to HICAPS and insurance claims for hearing devices fitted by Audiometrists.

• Establish a Memorandum of Understanding with Audiology Australia and the ACAud for collaborative initiatives.

 

Critical Input to Key Submissions, and Policy Advocacy

• HSP Reforms: Schedule of Service Items and Fees Review, budget changes, Independent HSP Review, and proposed changes which plan to reduce Claim Items from over 50 to 11.

• National Disability Insurance Scheme: ensuring adequate hearing health support.

• WorkCover NSW & WA, and Return to Work SA: addressing fee structures and accessibility.

• Aged Care Royal Commission: advocating for better hearing care services in aged care.

• Private Health Insurance & House Insurance: addressing concerns related to ‘Preferred Providers’.

• Department of Veterans' Affairs: ensuring equitable access to hearing services.

• HICAPS: seeking access for Audiometrists.

• HSP Financial Modelling: analysis conducted in collaboration with Scyne Advisory.

• Audiology Decision Regulatory Impact Statement: meetings with Deloitte team.  

• NSW WorkCover Proposed Fee Changes and Return to Work SA: reviewing financial implications for providers.

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