New national registration in Australia

[chrisphysio]

I've just been reading the comments (which are all great) and sorry if I come across as being a bit stupid but I'm a UK physio who just got registered in NZ last week (August) with a plan of using it to get to Australia on the TTMR (I'm still awaiting my NZ APC but should get it soon). I'm trying to get my head around what's required to get to OZ as I understand things have changed since 1st July so could I just clear a few things as I see it and people can advise me if I'm right or not:

1) Has AHPRA replaced the APC or do I have to apply to both now? If it's just AHPRA then I take it it's the application form marked 'Application for Trans Tasman Mutual recognition' (6 pages)

2) I've heard from others that it was always difficult for physios with NZ reg & APC to get to Western Australia because they're not on the TTMR. But I'm lead to believe from the AHPRA website that this will happen in the near future. Is this true?

3) Does this whole thing now mean that physios who gain registration to Australia can move from state to state as they like working without having to apply to each state individually (as long as their visa is OK and they tel AHPRA about address changes etc)?

4) Therefore is the entry route into Australia from NZ recognition done this way?:
a) Get NZ APC
b) Apply to AHPRA and/or OZ APC to get registered
c) Apply for work visa

I've looked into the visa and the only one I think I can get is the state sponsored one (176) - need to stay in state for 2 years as I just get to 100 points but the state does add an extra 10.

Please can somebody shed some light on these points

Regards
Chris

[gcoe]

Hi Chrisphysio

I can't answer all your questions but I can comment on these:

2) I've heard from others that it was always difficult for physios with NZ reg & APC to get to Western Australia because they're not on the TTMR. But I'm lead to believe from the AHPRA website that this will happen in the near future. Is this true?

No Western Australia does recognise the Trans Tasman agreement and there are no issues that I know of for NZ registered physios. What they haven't done is come to the table yet with the new Physiotherapy Board of Australia. However they will in the near future and there are details on the website of the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.

3) Does this whole thing now mean that physios who gain registration to Australia can move from state to state as they like working without having to apply to each state individually (as long as their visa is OK and they tel AHPRA about address changes etc)?

Yes that is right - that is one of the big pluses of the new national board. You will be registered nationally so can work anywhere. However I don't know what that means for your immigration/visa status so perhaps someone else can chip in.

4) Therefore is the entry route into Australia from NZ recognition done this way?:
a) Get NZ APC
b) Apply to AHPRA and/or OZ APC to get registered
c) Apply for work visa

Yes you need to be registered and Get a current NZ APC. then you just need to present a certified copy of the APC along with the statutory declaration that you haven't breached any legal conditions of being fit to practice, evidence of your indemity or excemption etc and pay the fee. In theory this should be easy - in practice - it is still just getting up and running so some patience may be required.

However prospective physios who haven't yet applied to NZ for registration need to be aware that they are signing a legal declaration that they intend to practice in NZ. Have a look at this on their website:

This is a legal process - aimed at protecting the public of New Zealand. The Board will only accept applications from physiotherapists who clearly indicate within their application an intention to practise physiotherapy in New Zealand.

That is on this page:

The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand > Registration - Overseas Qualified Physiotherapists

SO... here is a personal opinion and warning from someone within NZ: Overseas physios who abuse this intent clause will do their colleagues no service. The Board IS concerned about the resources going into assessing fitness to practice in NZ on physios who have no intent of practicing in NZ and simply skip on to greener pastures in OZ. It will take very little to tighten up this "loophole" and this will just create yet another barrier to free movement - something none of us want. As things are in NZ with few jobs available and the perception that at least English graduates with only a three year degree don't quite make the grade, NZ could turn around and make things much more difficult for physios coming from the UK - because we don't need them. So for those physios who have no intention to practice in NZ and merely want access to working in Oz, do the right thing and apply directly to Australia.

[grace01]

hiii
I looked few weeks ago how to get my degree recognised in Oz but it seems to be quite difficult, two written and one practical exams, and it isn't so cheap either. Was looking because I'd like to experience abroad and also because here in Italy salaries are damn low and year after year it is getting harder and harder to find a permanent job under the national health system.

_____________________
Additional Comment I forgot:
hiii
I looked few weeks ago how to get my degree recognised in Oz but it seems to be quite difficult, two written and one practical exams, and it isn't so cheap either. Was looking because I'd like to experience abroad and also because here in Italy salaries are damn low and year after year it is getting harder and harder to find a permanent job under the national health system.
Additional Comment I forgot:
hiii
I looked few weeks ago how to get my degree recognised in Oz but it seems to be quite difficult, two written and one practical exams, and it isn't so cheap either. Was looking because I'd like to experience abroad and also because here in Italy salaries are damn low and year after year it is getting harder and harder to find a permanent job under the national health system.

[seba2010]

The operation of the TTMRA is supported by a range of institutional arrangements, most importantly the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Ministerial Councils and the Senior Officials’ process that supports these. New Zealand participates in the Ministerial Councils with full membership and voting rights when TTMRA issues arise. As such, the Ministerial Councils have an important role in driving the development of regulatory outcomes that support mutual recognition and harmonisation of regulatory regimes.

The TTMRA provides for a general review of its operation to be carried out every five years after it came into effect. The first review was undertaken by the Australian Productivity Commission. Overall, the Commission found that the TTMRA is working well, contributing significantly to increased trans-Tasman mobility of goods and labour.

The Cross-Jurisdictional Review (CJR) Forum, which consists of Australian Federal, State and New Zealand senior officials was tasked to consider the Productivity Commission’s findings and prepare a final report to the Governments. All heads of government endorsed the CJR Forum’s report in September 2005. The CJR Forum is now implementing recommendations arising from the review, which aim to improve the operation of the TTMRA and ensure that it remains an effective cornerstone of a Single Economic Market. These recommendations include:

The development of an information/education campaign to remind regulators and the respective policy machineries of the strategic objectives and obligations of the TTMA. This is scheduled for later in 2006.
The development of explicit mechanisms to ensure that the TTMRA integration objectives are factored in at an early stage of policy and regulatory design on both sides of the Tasman.
In June 2004, the COAG agreed to amend its Principles and Guidelines for National Standards Setting and Regulatory Action by Ministerial Councils and National Standards Setting Bodies to include consideration of the TTMRA and the MRA principles and objectives. New Zealand is also currently reviewing its Guide to Preparing Regulatory Impact Standards with the intention of making similar changes.
A protocol was agreed between the Australian Government’s Office of Regulatory Review and its New Zealand counterpart that requires consultation on regulatory impact statements for proposals that may have trans-Tasman implications with a view to resolving any issues at an early stage of the policy development process and facilitating regulatory coordination where appropriate.
The establishment of the CJR Forum under new terms of reference to implement the review recommendations as well as to act as a “ginger group” to consider and promote discussion on the next phase of regulatory integration issues.
A stream-lined approach to the annual roll-over of the Special Exemptions, whereby the reporting requirements associated with Cooperation reports would be simplified.

[Laura01]

gcoe- do you mean an exemption from PII if you do not yet have a post? how else would you be exempt? if your employer was covering you in their policy?
thanks
laura