The Natural Therapy Expert Advisory Review Panel has completed their investigations into the reinstatement of complementary therapies into the health fund rebate system.
A report will be tabled to Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler by the end of the year.
We have written to Mark Butler to let him know that Bowen is a unique Australian modality that employs and helps many people and contributes greatly to the economy and our community.
You can help by sending a letter to the minister in support too.
To make it easy we have written a version for you that will open in your email ready to send, just click here or on the button below, and fill in the blanks.
You can view a copy below.
We are optimistic about the potential positive outcomes of this report and will keep you informed of any developments.
The BAA Committee
Petition EN6717 – Support Bowen Therapy: Reinstate Health Fund Rebates Now
The petition is currently open for signatures
Bowen Therapy is a distinctive Australian, neuromuscular, soft-tissue remedial technique involving gentle rolling moves on specific anatomical locations. This technique is not commonly found in other modalities. Prior to the removal of health fund status, Bowen Therapy was a thriving industry in Australia with over 50 instructors and 1,400 members across The Bowen Association Australia (BAA), and The Bowen Therapy Federation of Australasia (BTFA). BAA and most BTFA members train under the nationally recognised RTO, Bowen Training Australia, and comply with strict continuing education standards. Bowen Therapy offers a fulfilling career and has demonstrated effectiveness in treating various conditions, from back pain to Parkinson’s disease. However, since health fund rebates were withdrawn, our membership has dropped from 1,400 in 2017 to 560 today. Without reinstating these rebates, this unique modality risks being lost in Australia. Bowen Therapy is taught in 32 countries and practised globally. Recently, it was officially recognised as a profession within Bulgaria’s vocational educational system, paving the way for similar recognition in other EU countries. Reinstating the Health Fund Rebate will provide Bowen Therapy with the professional recognition it deserves in Australia.
We therefore ask the House to • Restore the Private Health Fund Insurance Rebate for Bowen Therapy when considering the report from the Review of the Australian Government Rebate on Private Health Insurance for Natural Therapies 2019-20 undertaken by The National Health and Medical Research Council on behalf of the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Dear Minister,
I am writing to ask you to restore the Private Health Fund Insurance Rebate for Bowen Therapy when considering the report from the Review of the Australian Government Rebate on Private Health Insurance for Natural Therapies 2019-20 undertaken by The National Health and Medical Research Council on behalf of the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Bowen Therapy is a distinctive Australian, soft-tissue remedial technique involving gentle rolling moves on specific locations in the body and timely pauses to incorporate the moves. This technique is not commonly found in other modalities.
In my practice, I treat clients of all ages and a variety of conditions and I have found great success treating clients with ………………………………….
Prior to the removal of health fund status, my Bowen business was
…………………………… and now ……………………………….
I am a member of the Bowen Association of Australia and I comply with their strict continuing education standards, their code of conduct and ethics and I am professionally insured.
Bowen Therapy is taught in 32 countries and practised globally and I fear that without the reinstatement of health fund rebates, this unique homegrown modality risks being lost in Australia.
Please reinstate Health Fund Rebates to provide Bowen Therapy with the professional recognition it deserves in Australia.
Thank you for your time, I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully
[your name here] [your suburb and state here] [your email address here]
