Michael Solano Eastern Suburbs Osteopathy, Bondi Junction, NSW

Osteopathy Australia (formerly AOA) is the peak body representing the interests of osteopaths, osteopathy as a profession and consumer's right to access osteopathic services. Originally founded in 1955 in Victoria, the Australian Osteopathic Association became a national body in 1991 and became Osteopathy Australia in 2014. Today Osteopathy Australia represents osteopaths in every state and territory across Australia. We are a member of Allied Health Professions Australia and the Osteopathic International Alliance. Our core work is liaising with state and federal government, all other statutory bodies regarding professional, educational, legislative and regulatory issues as well as private enterprise. As such we have close working relationships with the Osteopathy Board of Australia (the national registration board), the Australian and New Zealand Osteopathic Council (the university accreditor and assessor of overseas Osteopaths) and other professional health bodies through our collaborative work with Allied Health Professions Australia. Our role is also to increase awareness of osteopathy and what osteopaths' do. Osteopathy Australia has developed a strategic plan to steer its direction over the next few years. The plan is strongly focused on providing opportunities for members through professional excellence and career success. Osteopathy Australia represents the vast majority of osteopaths in Australia; over 90% in fact. Osteopathy Australia members are committed to continuing professional education and we require all members to comply with our standards. Osteopathy Australia signifies a standard of professional and ethical behaviour over and above the requirements of registration.