About the reforms
We are working with state and territory governments to improve the safety, quality and transparency of assisted reproductive technology (ART) services for patients, donors and donor-conceived individuals.
In June 2025, Health Ministers asked for a rapid review of ART regulation and accreditation. This followed concerns about safety, oversight and transparency in the sector.
The review identified 10 key areas for reform and recommended a 3-phased approach to implementation.
On 12 September 2025, Health Ministers agreed to reform how ART services are regulated and accredited across Australia.
The changes aim to:
- improve patient safety and quality of care
- strengthen regulation and oversight
- support informed consent and transparency
- provide clearer and more consistent services.
Progress to date
We are delivering phase 1 reforms. This work includes steps to:
- deliver stronger accreditation against updated standards (reform opportunities 1, 2 and 3)
- give clear guidance on complaint processes (reform opportunity 9).
As recommended by the review, we are also:
- engaging with donor-conceived individuals, donors, people who have used ART services, and support persons
- seeking an Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) review of donor laws across Australia.
The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the Victorian Department of Health are jointly leading phase one on behalf of all governments.
Later phases will build on this work, reflecting lived experience feedback, stronger and more transparent accreditation processes, and outcomes of any legislative review.
New standards and accreditation
Health Ministers asked the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care to develop an independent national accreditation scheme for ART services against updated national safety and quality standards.
The standards will cover:
- performance monitoring metrics
- workforce and staffing guidance
- safety requirements for new and emerging technologies.
This project began in April 2026.
The commission is working with the ART sector to support a smooth transition.
Indicative timeframes:
- draft standards available for testing from January 2027
- all ART providers transitioned to the new scheme by December 2028.
We will publish information about consultation opportunities when available.
In the meantime, send your enquiries to psq@health.gov.au.
Clear guidance on complaint pathways
Health Ministers agreed it was important for states and territories to provide clear information to help people understand where and how to make a complaint.
The Victorian Department of Health is leading this work by developing information on complaint pathways in Victoria.
Other states and territories will be able to adapt the materials for local use.
Lived experience engagement
Health Ministers agreed to engage nationally with:
- donor-conceived people
- donors
- people who have used ART services (including egg freezing)
- people who have supported someone who has used ART services.
This will help ensure real experiences shape how reforms are designed and delivered.
The Victorian Department of Health has led a national survey and conducted targeted focus groups on behalf of all governments.
Findings will be provided to Health Ministers, and a public summary report will be released later in 2026.
Find out more about the national consultation.
Australian Law Reform Commission review of donor laws
Health Ministers agreed to ask for an Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) review of relevant laws to see how they could be:
- updated
- better aligned across Australia
- more consistent with community expectations.
We are coordinating this request.
If approved, ALRC inquiries usually take around 18 months.
For enquiries about an ALRC review, email psq@health.gov.au.
Related committees or groups
ART sector reforms are overseen by: