Associations Unite to Form National Alliance for Naturopathy & Western Herbal Medicine
The Complementary Medicine Association (CMA), together with ANPA, ANTA and NHAA, has formed Naturopathy & Western Herbal Medicine United Associations (NATHUA).
NATHUA strengthens the national voice of Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine in Australia.
Our new alliance advances patient safety, raises professional competency standards and promotes high-quality education.
Through this collaboration, CMA is helping shape stronger recognition, clearer representation and a sustainable future for our professions.
Here follows a summary of the NATHUA Statement:
The Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association (ANPA),
Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA),
Complementary Medicine Association (CMA) and
Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA)
have come together to form Naturopathy & Western Herbal Medicine United Associations (NATHUA).
NATHUA has been established to provide a single, credible and authoritative voice for Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine in Australia. Its core purpose is to strengthen patient safety, professional competency and educational standards, while giving government, educators and industry stakeholders greater clarity and confidence in the professions.
The alliance is focused on supporting the growth, professionalism and long-term resilience of naturopathy and WHM by leveraging the collective strengths of its founding associations and improving health outcomes for Australians. High professional competency and education standards are identified as the primary shared priorities.
NATHUA invites other Australian naturopathic and WHM associations that share these values to consider joining and also welcomes engagement from non-association organisations with aligned interests.
The founding members acknowledge the important groundwork and leadership provided by ARONAH in advocating for professional advancement and regulation, and NATHUA intends to build on this foundation.
Governance arrangements are set out through a non-legally binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and an accompanying Governance Charter, developed with independent oversight. These documents establish principles of transparency, equitable representation, democratic decision-making, respect for member association autonomy, and a shared commitment to public safety and professional standards.
Together, the MOU and Charter enable coordinated, unified action to establish, promote and protect high educational, professional and ethical standards for naturopathic and western herbal medicine practitioners across Australia.