ANTA Government Relations

GRS Communications assisted the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) with its government relations activities.

As part of the 2012 May Budget the Federal Government announced a review of the Private Health Insurance Rebate (PHIR) for Natural Therapies commencing on July 1, 2012.

Under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and Ageing, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) has engaged a consultation process seeking advice and data that provides clear evidence that natural treatments are clinically effective. The consultations will assist in determining the eligibility of such treatments and modalities for the PHIR.

In order to achieve a high level of success, the strategic program employs various legitimate communication management methods involving engagement, education, credible advice and rational argument supported by sound data.

The goal was to ensure that decision-makers are fully informed about the body of evidence supporting the inclusion of various natural therapy modalities in the PHIR and ensure that decisions-makers understand the recommendations and rationale put forward by the ANTA.