AACMA Newsletter - 15 August 2025
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15 August 2025
This Issue:
AACMA Explores New Fund to Support Members and Advance the Profession
This year’s AACMAC Members Forum, AACMA announced it is exploring the creation of an AACMA Fund, a dedicated resource designed to strengthen and advance the profession. With an initial investment of around $150,000, the fund would support a broad range of member-focused initiatives, including:
The aim is to strike a balance between investing in research and providing practical support for practitioners. There is still important work ahead to ensure the fund is structured effectively and delivers maximum benefit to members. Many attendees at AACMAC have already contributed ideas on the fund’s setup and priorities, and we welcome further input. If you would like to share your thoughts on the establishment of this fund, please contact AACMA CEO, Paul Stadhams at ceo@acupuncture.org.au.
Introducing: 'New Research Spotlight' Welcome to our new feature on recent acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine research. We will be bringing you new research that is topical and of interest to enhance your clinical knowledge and support discussions with your patients on how effective our medicine is.
NEW RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT: New research from July 2025 by Tao et al compared acupuncture Ghost points against sham acupuncture for chronic insomnia and depressive symptoms, and measured outcomes with Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores. Ghost Points are a classical set of 13 points that regulate mental and emotional disturbances. The Ghost Points used in the study included GV 26 (Shuigou), PC 7 (Daling), BL 62 (Shenmai), ST 6 (Jiache), CV 24 (Chengjiang), PC 8 (Laogong), GV 23 (Shangxing), and LI 11 (Quchi). Treatment dose was 3 treatments per week for a total of 12 treatments. Results: ISI (insomnia) scores reduced by 9 points in the active group compared to 4 points in the control group, with 8 points considered statistically relevant. BDI-II (depression) scores reduced by 9.5 points in the active group versus 3 points in the sham acupuncture control group, once again being considered statistically significant improvements. The active group’s depression scores reduced by 44.18%, with this effect persisting at follow up. A reduction of 17.5% is considered the minimum clinical difference for depression.
Understanding GST for Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Practitioners Webinar
Are you sure that your services are GST-free? What about pills, teas, or ointments you provide? When can you and when should you register for GST? GST can be complex but getting it right can be beneficial for you. In this practical, easy to understand webinar, Australia’s leading independent GST advisor Ken Fehily (who was involved in writing the GST laws and ATO rulings) will explain what every acupuncture and Chinese medicine practitioner needs to know. You’ll learn:
Whether you’re just starting out or reviewing your GST position, this session will give you the clarity and confidence to get it right—and stay compliant. Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Learn with Beyond Blue: Webinar in the Lead-Up to R U OK Day 2025
For many people life feels quite complex and there are several external forces that are influencing how we live and feel every day. Having your own strategies and knowing where you can reach out to for support, are fundamental. This Beyond Blue webinar will explore how this complex world impacts ours and what resources, tools and tips, Beyond Blue provides to help you along this way. We will consider cost of living, small business ownership and strategies that are easy to adopt to your needs. Date: Wednesday, 10 September 2025
WorkCover QLD Update: Allied Health Services Table of Costs, Effective 1 August
WorkCover has completed our annual update of the Allied Health Services Table of Costs for the 2025-2026 financial year. The updated fees are effective from 1 August 2025 and are available on our Fees page (under Current allied health fees > Effective 1 August 2025). Thank you to our key stakeholders whose feedback has helped to inform this year’s review. One of the major changes made this year was to remove all supplementary services from the individual Allied Health discipline tables and publish them within the Allied Health Services Table of Costs document. This allows the Allied Health discipline tables to focus on treatment services only.
Level Up Your Cyber Security Skills for Your Business: Enrol Now!
Take your cyber security knowledge to the next level with the newly released Cyber Wardens Level Three course! Building on the foundations you've already mastered, this next phase in the Cyber Wardens course catalogue is designed to help small business owners and teams upskill with confidence in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. In Level Two: Safe AI for Small Business (20–30 mins, Intermediate), you'll explore how artificial intelligence can strengthen your business — and how cybercriminals use it to launch sophisticated scams. Learn how to:
Ready for more advanced training? Level Three: Cyber-Fit for the Supply Chain (20–30 mins, Advanced) focuses on reducing cyber risks across your entire business ecosystem. You'll gain vital skills in:
These practical, plain-English courses are crafted for small businesses to boost trust with clients and partners, enhance resilience, and enable secure growth. Don’t stop at the basics — keep building your cyber skills today.
New Guild Insurance Risk Advice Series We’re introducing a new series of practical risk articles from Guild Insurance, designed to help you navigate tricky professional situations and protect your practice.
Can you ever date a patient? It’s more complicated than it seems. Our first in a series of practical risk articles from Guild Insurance explores this delicate issue, including the risks of treating family members and the professional boundaries you need to maintain.
2. Business Cyber Security Obligations Cyber-attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and small businesses are increasingly a target, especially those holding sensitive client information. This article explores the practical steps every business can take to protect against cyber threats, from creating an incident response plan to complying with the Notifiable Data Breach scheme. You’ll also learn how cyber insurance can help safeguard your business, your reputation, and your clients’ trust.
Moving or Adding a New Clinic?Please contact our membership team with your new clinic details by email at aacma@acupuncture.org.au so they can apply to the health funds for new provider numbers.
Health fund deadlines to be aware of
Details required when Adding an Additional Clinic:
If you miss the above deadlines, please refer to the below: Reporting Cycle for Health Funds
Ceased practicing at a clinic, please provide the address and the ceased date so we can advise the health funds to remove your details. To check your workplace details or membership go to our website https://www.acupuncture.org.au/ then
If you have issues logging in or setting up a password, please don’t hesitate to contact the membership team 07 3457 1800 we are happy to assist you.
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