Providing a public voice

The HCIA was formed with the view to better inform policy development, provide a public voice on hearing related matters, and to raise the profile of hearing issues in Australia. HCIA aims to provide a forum for its Members and other interested parties to discuss issues concerning the hearing healthcare industry as they relate to the development of Government policy and Government initiatives. It also gives its Members a point of engagement to consult with and advise Government, as well as key decision makers in the bureaucracy and the media, in order to develop public confidence in the hearing healthcare industry.

The Federal Government is committed to providing access to professional hearing services through its Hearing Services Program, administered by the Department of Health and Ageing through the Office of Hearing Services (OHS). HCIA has developed a very robust and mutually respectful relationship with the OHS. It has participated in a number of meetings, forums and surveys, always ensuring its members views are well put. The Department has welcomed HCIA’s views, saying they foster better communication and understanding.

In 2009, HCIA had many dealings with the office of the Federal Minister of Ageing, the Hon. Justine Elliot MP, on a range of issues, and met quite regularly with the OHS. HCIA also established contact with most other bodies in the hearing care industry and believes that – in the long run – these relationships will benefit practitioners around the country. The first of a biannual roundtable was held with the OHS in July. A range of issues was discussed including return vouchers, Clinical Pathways, Rehabilitation Plus, HCIA  accreditation and its membership, hearing thresholds, the supply of labour, and overseas trained practitioners. All parties agreed it was a very useful forum. HCIA is keen to continue these forums and bring policy issues to the table to help the OHS continue to administer the Program in a highly effective way for the benefit of many hearing impaired Australians.

In 2008, HCIA conducted a survey of all its Members to gauge their views regarding the previously proposed Clinical Pathway and Rehabilitation Plus models. The information obtained was of great value and allowed HCIA to give the Minister and the Department some very real and practical insights into their proposals. You can see the results of the survey as reported in the newsletters. HCIA will be running a further survey at the end of August 2009 to gauge its Members’ views  about the effectiveness (or otherwise) of the Rehabilitation Plus program. HCIA will continue to work with the Department on this.