The Board wishes to thank everybody who took the time to submit proposals on how the Board’s excess funds should be used once the financial obligations of the transition to the national registration scheme have been met.

All the responses were considered and discussed by the Board at its meeting on 2 December 2009.

The Board agreed with the sentiment expressed by many respondents that excess funds should be used specifically to benefit South Australian chiropractors and osteopaths.

The Board received a variety of proposals, however it was noted that a high number of the responses pointed out problems with expense and accessibility of quality continuing professional education for chiropractors and osteopaths in South Australia and proposed that funds be used in this area. The Board also noted that as continuing professional development will be a mandatory requirement for chiropractors and osteopaths under the national registration scheme, applying funds in this area would be to the benefit of all South Australian chiropractors and osteopaths.

Following the meeting the Board has forwarded the following proposals to the Minister for consideration:

1.   Excess funds be used to subsidise the first round of renewal of registration fees payable to the Chiropractic Board of Australia and the Osteopathy Board of Australia by South Australian practitioners.

2.   Excess funds be used to establish a trust fund to be used for continuing professional development of South Australian chiropractors and osteopaths.

It was agreed that if the Minister approves these proposals the Board will then proceed with the details such as how much of the first renewal fee could be subsidised and how a continuing professional development trust fund should be administered.