Connection, collaboration and learning at inaugural HPCA and NSW Councils Conference 

Friday 12 April saw the Health Professional Councils Authority (HPCA) and NSW Heath Professional Councils (the Councils) successfully deliver their first joint all Councils Conference. A diverse collection of speakers and panellists across health regulation came together in Sydney to discuss and explore the latest regulatory themes, challenges and opportunities in the NSW co-regulatory landscape. 

The conference was opened with a Welcome to Country on Gadigal land conducted on behalf of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. Master of Ceremonies Adam Spencer then presented a virtual welcome from the Hon Ryan Park MP, Minister for Health and Minister for Regional Health. Mr Park encouraged attendees to embrace the opportunity to connect and collaborate with fellow regulators in a face-to-face setting.

“The way health services are delivered is constantly evolving, and it is important that your work continues to be responsive to the needs of the NSW community,” he said.

The conference’s first keynote speaker was Professor Michele Rumsey, Director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development Faculty of Health at the University of Technology Sydney. Prof Rumsey spoke about her team’s work and the need for adapting and building resilience in community dynamics and regulatory practices.

Prof Rumsey’s presentation was followed by a panel discussion with representatives from various Councils, HCCC and the Paramedicine Board of Australia and an energetic question and answer session.

Fostering collaboration and cohesion

Further keynote speeches were delivered by Chris Robertson, Executive Director, Strategy, Policy and Health Workforce at the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, as well as Adjunct Associate Professor Alan Morrison ASM, President of the Paramedicine Council of NSW.

Mr Robertson’s presentation centred on how collaboration and cohesion between regulatory bodies and health professions can be fostered. He highlighted the significance of these conferences for facilitating discussions that connect the regulatory work conducted across these areas and their impact on the community.

“We have to consider and understand what the effect of our work as regulators is at all levels and how, and if, this effect is similar across differing health professions and community groups,” Mr Robertson said.

The importance of building robust practitioner engagement was in focus during A/Prof Morrison’s presentation given the implications this can have for regulatory approaches and their resulting effectiveness. Further panel discussions with various representatives from different areas of health regulation followed these presentations.

“Thank you to all presenters, panel members and attendees for participating in the inaugural HPCA and NSW Councils Conference, and to everyone involved in making this event a success. The opportunities provided by this conference to engage with a broad range of stakeholders will surely assist us in maintaining public safety and confidence in the practice of regulated professions in NSW,” said Ameer Tadros, Director, HPCA.