Contributing to public policy and health systems
Wherever possible, we seek to be involved in identifying priorities and developing policies that affect anaesthesia and pain medicine. Thanks to our formal roles and responsibilities, we're represented on committees and steering groups of key national and state government health agencies and professional peak bodies.
We regularly prepare submissions for government and non-government agencies in response to a range of policy initiatives and inquiries, articulating our position on issues that affect trainees, fellows, the health system and the broader community.
We also maintain and build the standing of our professions and address the risk of adverse events and poorer outcomes through:
- Regular meetings with policy makers, health services and consumer groups.
- Policy submissions to government and non-government bodies in Australia and New Zealand.
- Support and advocacy for community development with a focus on Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori health and global health.
- Representation on international, national, state and local health organisations.
- Developing training opportunities in non-traditional and expanded settings in Australia through the Australian government-funded Specialist Training Program.
- Providing information to patients and community members.
Submissions are normally co-ordinated by the Policy and Communications unit in close consultation with the college's directors of professional affairs, councillors, fellows, special interest groups, and senior members of staff.
Search for a submission
Submissions from the last three years are listed below. Where they can be made publicly available, we've included a link.
2024 submissions
2023 submissions
2022 submissions
2021 submissions
- ANZCA letter to Medical Board of Australia Chair Dr Anne Tonkin re: Ahpra cosmetic surgery review (1 December 2021).
- ANZCA letter to Australian ministers of health (18 November 2021).
- Haemovigilance Advisory Committee of the National Blood Authority - DRAFT Investigation and Management of Acute Transfusion Reactions (July, 2021).
- National Transport Commission – Assessing Fitness to Drive (updated draft) (June, 2021).
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care - National Opioid Analgesic Stewardship Program – Discussion paper (June, 2021)
- Australian Competition and Consumers Commission - Draft determination - application for authorisation lodged by Honeysuckle Health Pty Ltd and nib health funds limited in respect of the Honeysuckle Health Buying Group (ANZCA submission) (June 2021)
- Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs - Inquiry into the Administration of registration and notifications by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and related entities under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (May, 2021).
- Department of Health - How Accreditation Practices Impact Building a Non-GP Rural Specialist Medical Workforce (April, 2021).
- Department of Health - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021-2031 - draft consultation (March, 2021).
- Therapeutic Goods Administration - Repurposing of Prescription Medicines (March, 2021).
- Therapeutic Goods Administration - Proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard (February, 2021)
- Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia - Proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard (Nitrous Oxide) (February, 2021)
- Australian Resuscitation Council – Final draft ANZCOR Guideline 4 – Airway (January, 2021)
- Department of Health - National Medical Workforce Strategy 2021-2031 - draft consultation (January, 2021).
- Parliament of NSW - Health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote New South Wales (FPM submission) (January, 2021).
- Parliament of NSW - Health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote New South Wales (ANZCA submission) (January, 2021).
2020 submissions
If you wish to access submissions made prior to 2018, please email us.
Professional documents
Our professional documents, statements and guidelines are crucial for promoting the safety and quality of patient care for those undergoing anaesthesia for surgical and other procedures and for those receiving pain medicine treatment.
Find out more