About our submissions and correspondence
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 coordinated 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. If you wish to access submissions made prior to 2018, please email us.
2026 submissions
ANZCA’s response to the Medical Council of New Zealand calls for a limited well defined scope to allow overseas trained PAs to work in Aotearoa with the expectation of retraining in an established and supported scope.
2025 submissions
ANZCA requested that Queensland Health funds and implements extra training positions across Queensland. As a result of the letter, five additional trainee positions were agreed.
ANZCA feedback on the Australian Medical Council (AMC)/National Health Practitioner Ombudsman (NHPO) project as part of the Structured learning: guidance to support the Model Standards for Specialist Medical College Accreditation of Training Settings consultation draft document
ANZCA feedback to Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) on the Draft Credentialing and Defining Scope of Clinical Practice: A guide for managers and clinicians June 2025
ANZCA feedback on the Australian Medical Council (AMC)/National Health Practitioner Ombudsman (NHPO) project as part of the measuring supervision: guidance to support the Model Standards for Specialist Medical College Accreditation of Training Settings consultation draft document
Consultation response on amendments to the specified prescription medicines list for designated registered nurse prescribers in primary health and specialty teams
Letter of support from the FPM dean and the representatives of other pain sector peak organisations to the Minister of Health to progress the National Strategy for Health Practitioner Pain Management Education
2025 correspondence
Meeting follow up and practical solutions for the DOHAC on Expedited Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) pathway for specialist Anaesthetists
In response to the Grattan Institute’s report, the letter draws attention to the critical challenges facing smaller, high-complexity specialties such as pain medicine that the report overlooks.
Request information from NSW Health relating to the financial cost and quantity of locums being routinely engaged across the state to supplement systemic workforce shortfalls.