English language

This standard applies to all applicants for initial registration. It does not apply to students. In accordance with Section 55 of the National Law, the Board may decide that an individual is not a suitable person to hold general registration in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practice profession if in the Board’s opinion, the individual’s competency in speaking or otherwise communicating in English is not sufficient for the individual to practice the profession. The Board has developed a registration standard setting out requirements for the English language skills that are necessary for an applicant to be suitable for registration in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practice profession.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners can demonstrate English language proficiency through the completion of the Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice) or a qualification considered by the Board to be equivalent. Practitioners will be required to provide a certified copy of their qualifications upon registration. The Board retains the power to require further evidence of English language skills under Section 80 of the National Law.