Hearing Services Program Advertising Requirements
All contracted service providers are reminded that subsection 32(3) of the Hearing Services Program (Voucher) Instrument 2019 requires that:
- A contracted service provider must use the phrase ‘conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program’ in any advertisement or statement published, or caused to be published by it, that refers to a service or device that is able to be provided to voucher-holders under the voucher system.
Providers are also reminded that subsection 32(4) of the instrument requires that they:
- must not make any representation in connection with the provision of hearing services to voucher-holders that… suggests that fully subsidised hearing devices are provided free by the contracted service provider rather than by the Australian Government.
These requirements apply across all advertising and communication channels, including websites, email marketing, commercials and social media.
Under clause 38 of the Service Provider Contract, providers must also comply with all other laws applicable to the performance under the contract. These include the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and, where applicable, the Therapeutic Goods (Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code) Instrument 2021.
The program manages compliance with the legislative and contractual requirements in accordance with the Compliance Monitoring and Support Framework. Where non‑compliance with program requirements is identified, the program will take compliance actions up to and including contract suspension or termination.
If you have questions about the advertising requirements, please email us.
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