There have been some important updates to radiation safety regulations across several jurisdictions. If your facility is accredited under DIAS or the RANZCR/NATA Medical Imaging Accreditation Program, we want to help you understand what these changes might mean for you.
New South Wales
Protection from Harmful Radiation Regulation 2025
With the introduction of the new Regulation, there are a few key changes that may affect radiation users, radiation management licence holders, employers, accredited persons and course providers.
- User licence exemptions: Some medical radiation students, trainees, radiation professionals and practitioners may now fall under new exemption categories. These exemptions also come with supervision requirements. A summary is available on the NSW EPA website.
- Radiation Management Plans (RMPs): All radiation management licence holders must have an RMP in place by 1 September 2026, giving organisations 12 months from the Regulation’s commencement to prepare and implement their plan. NSW EPA has published guidance to help licensees meet these requirements.
Queensland
Radiation Use Licence Changes – Effective 1 October 2025
Changes to the Radiation Safety Act 1999 mean that some registered medical, dental and veterinary professionals may no longer need a use licence. Queensland Health has released guidance to help practitioners work out whether the amendments apply to them.
South Australia
Cyclic Compliance Testing Updates
Cyclic compliance testing introduced in February 2024 has now reached its first anniversary milestone. This applies to:
- CT
- Fluoroscopy
- Mammography
- Plain radiography
- DXA
- Dental imaging (plain, panoramic, cephalometric and cone beam CT)
SA EPA provides details on testing frequencies and the staged rollout for each equipment type.
What does this mean for me?
Here’s a quick snapshot of how these changes may impact your organisation:
- You may no longer need certain user licences (NSW and QLD), depending on your role and professional registration.
- If you operate in NSW, you’ll need to ensure your Radiation Management Plan is completed and ready well before 1 September 2026.
- If you’re in SA, you may now be due for the first round of cyclic testing. It’s a good time to check your equipment schedule to make sure you’re aligned with the anniversary dates.
- If you hold multiple licences across states, you may want to review your current obligations, as some requirements may now be simplified or updated.
Keeping your accreditation on track
As you prepare for an upcoming DIAS or RANZCR/NATA accreditation cycle, these regulatory updates may affect the information you need to provide. Contact us if you need support interpreting the changes.