Common use of PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT Clause in Contracts

PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT. The purpose of this HPA is to make provision for the following, as outlined in s 26(1) of the National Law: • the fees payable by health practitioners and others in relation to the health profession for which the National Board is established, • the National Board’s annual budget, and • the services to be provided to the National Board by Ahpra to enable the National Board to carry out its functions under the National Law. This HPA also describes the relationship between the National Board and Ahpra, where Xxxxx is both a governance and regulatory partner, as well as a service provider to the National Board. As such, it outlines how both Xxxxx and the National Board, as statutory entities, work together to achieve the goals of the National Scheme. Behavioural Attributes In line with the values articulated in the National Scheme Strategy, the National Board and Ahpra agree to the following behavioural attributes, the purpose of which is to provide guidance to each party in exercising its responsibilities under this HPA: Period This HPA is for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2025 inclusive. Liaison Officers The National Board agrees to authorise the Chair of the National Board (or his/her nominee) to act as liaison officer with respect to the HPA. Xxxxx agrees to authorise the Executive Director, Strategy and Policy to act as liaison officer with respect to the HPA. Schedules The following table outlines how the requirements of s. 26(1) of the National Law are represented in the HPA schedules, as well as describing the content of all other schedules. Schedule 1: Accountability Framework Schedule 2: Summary of Services to be provided to the National Board by Ahpra to enable the National Board to carry out its functions Schedule 3: Summary of National Scheme Strategy, implementation map, and National Board’s regulatory plan Schedule 4: Fees payable by health practitioners Schedule 5: Summary of National Board’s annual budget Schedule 6: Performance and Reporting Schedule 7: Equity Framework The Performance and Reporting framework contained in Schedule 6 provides the mechanism for articulating performance metrics for the purposes of this HPA. National Scheme Strategy 2020-25 The National Scheme Strategy outlines the shared vision, mission, values and strategic objectives for Ahpra and the National Boards. Together, Xxxxx and National Boards are focused on ensuring the effective implementation of our strategy including supporting and promoting our four strategic themes of regulatory effectiveness, capability and culture, evidence and innovation, and trust and confidence. Issues management and escalation Issues management and escalation provides a means to identify, track and resolve partnership issues throughout the life of the agreement ensuring each issue is resolved quickly and effectively between Ahpra and the Board. An issue is defined as any problem or concern that has the potential to adversely affect the success of the partnership between Ahpra and the Board. In line with our shared values, Ahpra and the National Board will work constructively to identify and resolve issues in a timely way and at the lowest possible level. Ordinarily, this will be achieved by discussion or negotiation between the relevant Executive Officer, the Chair/nominated National Board member and any other relevant Ahpra senior staff (generally at the level of a National Manager) with responsibility for a relevant functional area (e.g.: registrations, policy etc.). In the event an issue remains unresolved, at the operational level it must be escalated in accordance with Ahpra reporting lines, to either the Executive Director, Strategy and Policy or the National Director, Regulatory Governance who will take reasonable steps to facilitate resolution of the issue to the satisfaction of Xxxxx and the National Board. In the event an issue needs to be escalated further, it will be escalated to the appropriate member(s) of Xxxxx’s National Executive, the Chair of the Agency Management Committee and/or dealt with as a dispute below. Dispute resolution The National Board and Ahpra have a commitment to working together constructively and in accordance with our shared values to reasonably prevent any issues escalating into disputes. For the purposes of this HPA, a dispute is defined as any unresolved disagreement between the Board and Ahpra about the terms or schedules, including the performance of either party, of this agreement. If a dispute arises, as partners, we will use our best endeavours to resolve the dispute respectfully, fairly and promptly. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the matter will be referred to the Ahpra Chief Executive Officer and the Chair of the National Board. If the dispute still cannot be resolved, it will be referred to the Chair of Xxxxx’s Agency Management Committee and the Chair of the National Board. Either the Chair of Ahpra’s Agency Management Committee or the Chair of the National Board may request the appointment of an independent, accredited mediator at any stage in the process. The process for appointment is for both parties to agree to the appointment of the nominated mediator. If we are still unable to agree on the matter, s. 26(2) of the National Law provides that any failure to reach agreement between National Boards and Ahpra on matters relating the HPA is to be referred to the Ministerial Council(as that term is defined in the National Law) for resolution. The National Board and Ahpra agree that this is a step of last resort that will not be taken unless all prior steps have been exhausted.

PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT. The purpose of this HPA is to make provision for the following, as outlined in s 26(1) of the National Law: • the fees payable by health practitioners and others in relation to the health profession for which the National Board is established, • the National Board’s annual budget, and • the services to be provided to the National Board by Ahpra to enable the National Board to carry out its functions under the National Law. This HPA also describes the relationship between the National Board and Ahpra, where Xxxxx is both a governance and regulatory partner, as well as a service provider to the National Board. As such, it outlines how both Xxxxx and the National Board, as statutory entities, work together to achieve the goals of the National Scheme. Behavioural Attributes In line with the values articulated in the National Scheme Strategy, the National Board and Ahpra agree to the following behavioural attributes, the purpose of which is to provide guidance to each party in exercising its responsibilities under this HPA: Period This HPA is for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2025 inclusive. Liaison Officers The National Board agrees to authorise the Chair of the National Board (or his/her nominee) to act as liaison officer with respect to the HPA. Xxxxx agrees to authorise the Executive Director, Strategy and Policy to act as liaison officer with respect to the HPA. Schedules The following table outlines how the requirements of s. 26(1) of the National Law are represented in the HPA schedules, as well as describing the content of all other schedules. Schedule 1: Accountability Framework Schedule 2: Summary of Services to be provided to the National Board by Ahpra to enable the National Board to carry out its functions Schedule 3: Summary of National Scheme Strategy, implementation map, and National Board’s regulatory plan Schedule 4: Fees payable by health practitioners Schedule 5: Summary of National Board’s annual budget Schedule 6: Performance and Reporting Schedule 7: Equity Framework The Performance and Reporting framework contained in Schedule 6 provides the mechanism for articulating performance metrics for the purposes of this HPA. National Scheme Strategy 2020-25 The National Scheme Strategy outlines the shared vision, mission, values and strategic objectives for Ahpra and the National Boards. Together, Xxxxx and National Boards are focused on ensuring the effective implementation of our strategy including supporting and promoting our four strategic themes of regulatory effectiveness, capability and culture, evidence and innovation, and trust and confidence. Issues management and escalation Issues management and escalation provides a means to identify, track and resolve partnership issues throughout the life of the agreement ensuring each issue is resolved quickly and effectively between Ahpra and the Board. An issue is defined as any problem or concern that has the potential to adversely affect the success of the partnership between Ahpra and the Board. In line with our shared values, Ahpra and the National Board will work constructively to identify and resolve issues in a timely way and at the lowest possible level. Ordinarily, this will be achieved by discussion or negotiation between the relevant Executive Officer, the Chair/nominated National Board member and any other relevant Ahpra senior staff (generally at the level of a National Manager) with responsibility for a relevant functional area (e.g.: registrations, policy etc.). In the event an issue remains unresolved, at the operational level it must be escalated in accordance with Ahpra reporting lines, to either the Executive Director, Strategy and Policy or the National Director, Regulatory Governance who will take reasonable steps to facilitate resolution of the issue to the satisfaction of Xxxxx and the National Board. In the event an issue needs to be escalated further, it will be escalated to the appropriate member(s) of Xxxxx’s National Executive, the Chair of the Agency Management Committee and/or dealt with as a dispute below. Dispute resolution The National Board and Ahpra have a commitment to working together constructively and in accordance with our shared values to reasonably prevent any issues escalating into disputes. For the purposes of this HPA, a dispute is defined as any unresolved disagreement between the Board and Ahpra about the terms or schedules, including the performance of either party, of this agreement. If a dispute arises, as partners, we will use our best endeavours to resolve the dispute respectfully, fairly and promptly. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the matter will be referred to the Ahpra Chief Executive Officer and the Chair of the National Board. If the dispute still cannot be resolved, it will be referred to the Chair of Xxxxx’s Agency Management Committee and the Chair of the National Board. Either the Chair of Ahpra’s Agency Management Committee or the Chair of the National Board may request the appointment of an independent, accredited mediator at any stage in the process. The process for appointment is for both parties to agree to the appointment of the nominated mediator. If we are still unable to agree on the matter, s. 26(2) of the National Law provides that any failure to reach agreement between National Boards and Ahpra on matters relating the HPA is to be referred to the Ministerial Council(as Council (as that term is defined in the National Law) for resolution. The National Board and Ahpra agree that this is a step of last resort that will not be taken unless all prior steps have been exhausted.

PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT. The purpose of this HPA is to make provision for the following, as outlined in s 26(1) of the National Law: • the fees payable by health practitioners and others in relation to the health profession for which the National Board is established, • the National Board’s annual budget, and • the services to be provided to the National Board by Ahpra to enable the National Board to carry out its functions under the National Law. This HPA also describes the relationship between the National Board and Ahpra, where Xxxxx is both a governance and regulatory partner, as well as a service provider to the National Board. As such, it outlines how both Xxxxx Ahpra and the National Board, as statutory entities, work together to achieve the goals of the National Scheme. Behavioural Attributes In line with the values articulated in the National Scheme Strategy, the National Board and Ahpra agree to the following behavioural attributes, the purpose of which is to provide guidance to each party in exercising its responsibilities under this HPA: Period This HPA is for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2025 inclusive. Liaison Officers The National Board agrees to authorise the Chair of the National Board (or his/her nominee) to act as liaison officer with respect to the HPA. Xxxxx agrees to authorise the Executive Director, Strategy and Policy to act as liaison officer with respect to the HPA. Schedules The following table outlines how the requirements of s. 26(1) of the National Law are represented in the HPA schedules, as well as describing the content of all other schedules. Schedule 1: Accountability Framework Schedule 2: Summary of Services to be provided to the National Board by Ahpra to enable the National Board to carry out its functions Schedule 3: Summary of National Scheme Strategy, implementation map, and National Board’s regulatory plan Schedule 4: Fees payable by health practitioners Schedule 5: Summary of National Board’s annual budget Schedule 6: Performance and Reporting Schedule 7: Equity Framework The Performance and Reporting framework contained in Schedule 6 provides the mechanism for articulating performance metrics for the purposes of this HPA. National Scheme Strategy 2020-25 The National Scheme Strategy outlines the shared vision, mission, values and strategic objectives for Ahpra and the National Boards. Together, Xxxxx and National Boards are focused on ensuring the effective implementation of our strategy including supporting and promoting our four strategic themes of regulatory effectiveness, capability and culture, evidence and innovation, and trust and confidence. Issues management and escalation Issues management and escalation provides a means to identify, track and resolve partnership issues throughout the life of the agreement ensuring each issue is resolved quickly and effectively between Ahpra and the Board. An issue is defined as any problem or concern that has the potential to adversely affect the success of the partnership between Ahpra and the Board. In line with our shared values, Ahpra and the National Board will work constructively to identify and resolve issues in a timely way and at the lowest possible level. Ordinarily, this will be achieved by discussion or negotiation between the relevant Executive Officer, the Chair/nominated National Board member and any other relevant Ahpra senior staff (generally at the level of a National Manager) with responsibility for a relevant functional area (e.g.: registrations, policy etc.). In the event an issue remains unresolved, at the operational level it must be escalated in accordance with Ahpra reporting lines, to either the Executive Director, Strategy and Policy or the National Director, Regulatory Governance who will take reasonable steps to facilitate resolution of the issue to the satisfaction of Xxxxx and the National Board. In the event an issue needs to be escalated further, it will be escalated to the appropriate member(s) of Xxxxx’s National Executive, the Chair of the Agency Management Committee and/or dealt with as a dispute below. Dispute resolution The National Board and Ahpra have a commitment to working together constructively and in accordance with our shared values to reasonably prevent any issues escalating into disputes. For the purposes of this HPA, a dispute is defined as any unresolved disagreement between the Board and Ahpra about the terms or schedules, including the performance of either party, of this agreement. If a dispute arises, as partners, we will use our best endeavours to resolve the dispute respectfully, fairly and promptly. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the matter will be referred to the Ahpra Chief Executive Officer and the Chair of the National Board. If the dispute still cannot be resolved, it will be referred to the Chair of Xxxxx’s Agency Management Committee and the Chair of the National Board. Either the Chair of Ahpra’s Agency Management Committee or the Chair of the National Board may request the appointment of an independent, accredited mediator at any stage in the process. The process for appointment is for both parties to agree to the appointment of the nominated mediator. If we are still unable to agree on the matter, s. 26(2) of the National Law provides that any failure to reach agreement between National Boards and Ahpra on matters relating the HPA is to be referred to the Ministerial Council(as Council (as that term is defined in the National Law) for resolution. The National Board and Ahpra agree that this is a step of last resort that will not be taken unless all prior steps have been exhausted.

PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT. The purpose of this HPA is to make provision for the following, as outlined in s 26(1) of the National Law: • the fees payable by health practitioners and others in relation to the health profession for which the National Board is established, • the National Board’s annual budget, and • the services to be provided to the National Board by Ahpra to enable the National Board to carry out its functions under the National Law. This HPA also describes the relationship between the National Board and Ahpra, where Xxxxx is both a governance and regulatory partner, as well as a service provider to the National Board. As such, it outlines how both Xxxxx and the National Board, as statutory entities, work together to achieve the goals of the National Scheme. Behavioural Attributes In line with the values articulated in the National Scheme Strategy, the National Board and Ahpra agree to the following behavioural attributes, the purpose of which is to provide guidance to each party in exercising its responsibilities under this HPA: Period This HPA is for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2025 inclusive. Liaison Officers The National Board agrees to authorise the Chair of the National Board (or his/her nominee) to act as liaison officer with respect to the HPA. Xxxxx agrees to authorise the Executive Director, Strategy and Policy to act as liaison officer with respect to the HPA. Schedules The following table outlines how the requirements of s. 26(1) of the National Law are represented in the HPA schedules, as well as describing the content of all other schedules. Schedule 1: Accountability Framework Schedule 2: Summary of Services to be provided to the National Board by Ahpra to enable the National Board to carry out its functions Schedule 3: Summary of National Scheme Strategy, implementation map, and National Board’s regulatory plan Schedule 4: Fees payable by health practitioners Schedule 5: Summary of National Board’s annual budget Schedule 6: Performance and Reporting Schedule 7: Equity Framework The Performance and Reporting framework contained in Schedule 6 provides the mechanism for articulating performance metrics for the purposes of this HPA. National Scheme Strategy 2020-25 The National Scheme Strategy outlines the shared vision, mission, values and strategic objectives for Ahpra and the National Boards. Together, Xxxxx and National Boards are focused on ensuring the effective implementation of our strategy including supporting and promoting our four strategic themes of regulatory effectiveness, capability and culture, evidence and innovation, and trust and confidence. Issues management and escalation Issues management and escalation provides a means to identify, track and resolve partnership issues throughout the life of the agreement ensuring each issue is resolved quickly and effectively between Ahpra and the Board. An issue is defined as any problem or concern that has the potential to adversely affect the success of the partnership between Ahpra and the Board. In line with our shared values, Ahpra and the National Board will work constructively to identify and resolve issues in a timely way and at the lowest possible level. Ordinarily, this will be achieved by discussion or negotiation between the relevant Executive Officer, the Chair/nominated National Board member and any other relevant Ahpra senior staff (generally at the level of a National Manager) with responsibility for a relevant functional area (e.g.: registrations, policy etc.). In the event an issue remains unresolved, at the operational level it must be escalated in accordance with Ahpra reporting lines, to either the Executive Director, Strategy and Policy or the National Director, Regulatory Governance who will take reasonable steps to facilitate resolution of the issue to the satisfaction of Xxxxx and the National Board. In the event an issue needs to be escalated further, it will be escalated to the appropriate member(s) of Xxxxx’s National Executive, the Chair of the Agency Management Committee and/or dealt with as a dispute below. Dispute resolution The National Board and Ahpra have a commitment to working together constructively and in accordance with our shared values to reasonably prevent any issues escalating into disputes. For the purposes of this HPA, a dispute is defined as any unresolved disagreement between the Board and Ahpra about the terms or schedules, including the performance of either party, of this agreement. If a dispute arises, as partners, we will use our best endeavours to resolve the dispute respectfully, fairly and promptly. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the matter will be referred to the Ahpra Chief Executive Officer and the Chair of the National Board. If the dispute still cannot be resolved, it will be referred to the Chair of Xxxxx’s Agency Management Committee and the Chair of the National Board. Either the Chair of Ahpra’s Agency Management Committee or the Chair of the National Board may request the appointment of an independent, accredited mediator at any stage in the process. The process for appointment is for both parties to agree to the appointment of the nominated mediator. If we are still unable to agree on the matter, s. 26(2s.26(2) of the National Law provides that any failure to reach agreement between National Boards and Ahpra on matters relating the HPA is to be referred to the Ministerial Council(as Council (as that term is defined in the National Law) for resolution. The National Board and Ahpra agree that this is a step of last resort that will not be taken unless all prior steps have been exhausted.

PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT. The purpose of this HPA is to make provision for the following, as outlined in s 26(1) of the National Law: • the fees payable by health practitioners and others in relation to the health profession for which the National Board is established, • the National Board’s annual budget, and • the services to be provided to the National Board by Ahpra to enable the National Board to carry out its functions under the National Law. This HPA also describes the relationship between the National Board and Ahpra, where Xxxxx is both a governance and regulatory partner, as well as a service provider to the National Board. As such, it outlines how both Xxxxx Ahpra and the National Board, as statutory entities, work together to achieve the goals of the National Scheme. Behavioural Attributes In line with the values articulated in the National Scheme Strategy, the National Board and Ahpra agree to the following behavioural attributes, the purpose of which is to provide guidance to each party in exercising its responsibilities under this HPA: Period This HPA is for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2025 inclusive. Liaison Officers The National Board agrees to authorise the Chair of the National Board (or his/her nominee) to act as liaison officer with respect to the HPA. Xxxxx agrees to authorise the Executive Director, Strategy and Policy to act as liaison officer with respect to the HPA. Schedules The following table outlines how the requirements of s. 26(1) of the National Law are represented in the HPA schedules, as well as describing the content of all other schedules. Schedule 1: Accountability Framework Schedule 2: Summary of Services to be provided to the National Board by Ahpra to enable the National Board to carry out its functions Schedule 3: Summary of National Scheme Strategy, implementation map, and National Board’s regulatory plan Schedule 4: Fees payable by health practitioners Schedule 5: Summary of National Board’s annual budget Schedule 6: Performance and Reporting Schedule 7: Equity Framework The Performance and Reporting framework contained in Schedule 6 provides the mechanism for articulating performance metrics for the purposes of this HPA. National Scheme Strategy 2020-25 The National Scheme Strategy outlines the shared vision, mission, values and strategic objectives for Ahpra and the National Boards. Together, Xxxxx and National Boards are focused on ensuring the effective implementation of our strategy including supporting and promoting our four strategic themes of regulatory effectiveness, capability and culture, evidence and innovation, and trust and confidence. Issues management and escalation Issues management and escalation provides a means to identify, track and resolve partnership issues throughout the life of the agreement ensuring each issue is resolved quickly and effectively between Ahpra and the Board. An issue is defined as any problem or concern that has the potential to adversely affect the success of the partnership between Ahpra and the Board. In line with our shared values, Ahpra and the National Board will work constructively to identify and resolve issues in a timely way and at the lowest possible level. Ordinarily, this will be achieved by discussion or negotiation between the relevant Executive Officer, the Chair/nominated National Board member and any other relevant Ahpra senior staff (generally at the level of a National Manager) with responsibility for a relevant functional area (e.g.: registrations, policy etc.). In the event an issue remains unresolved, at the operational level it must be escalated in accordance with Ahpra reporting lines, to either the Executive Director, Strategy and Policy or the National Director, Regulatory Governance who will take reasonable steps to facilitate resolution of the issue to the satisfaction of Xxxxx and the National Board. In the event an issue needs to be escalated further, it will be escalated to the appropriate member(s) of Xxxxx’s National Executive, the Chair of the Agency Management Committee and/or dealt with as a dispute below. Dispute resolution The National Board and Ahpra have a commitment to working together constructively and in accordance with our shared values to reasonably prevent any issues escalating into disputes. For the purposes of this HPA, a dispute is defined as any unresolved disagreement between the Board and Ahpra about the terms or schedules, including the performance of either party, of this agreement. If a dispute arises, as partners, we will use our best endeavours to resolve the dispute respectfully, fairly and promptly. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the matter will be referred to the Ahpra Chief Executive Officer and the Chair of the National Board. If the dispute still cannot be resolved, it will be referred to the Chair of Xxxxx’s Agency Management Committee and the Chair of the National Board. Either the Chair of Ahpra’s Agency Management Committee or the Chair of the National Board may request the appointment of an independent, accredited mediator at any stage in the process. The process for appointment is for both parties to agree to the appointment of the nominated mediator. If we are still unable to agree on the matter, s. 26(2) of the National Law provides that any failure to reach agreement between National Boards and Ahpra on matters relating the HPA is to be referred to the Ministerial Council(as that term is defined in the National Law) for resolution. The National Board and Ahpra agree that this is a step of last resort that will not be taken unless all prior steps have been exhausted.

PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT. The purpose of this HPA is to make provision for the following, as outlined in s 26(1) of the National Law: • the fees payable by health practitioners and others in relation to the health profession for which the National Board is established, • the National Board’s annual budget, and • the services to be provided to the National Board by Ahpra to enable the National Board to carry out its functions under the National Law. This HPA also describes the relationship between the National Board and Ahpra, where Xxxxx is both a governance and regulatory partner, as well as a service provider to the National Board. As such, it outlines how both Xxxxx and the National Board, as statutory entities, work together to achieve the goals of the National Scheme. Behavioural Attributes In line with the values articulated in the National Scheme Strategy, the National Board and Ahpra agree to the following behavioural attributes, the purpose of which is to provide guidance to each party in exercising its responsibilities under this HPA: Period This HPA is for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2025 inclusive. Liaison Officers The National Board agrees to authorise the Chair of the National Board (or his/her nominee) to act as liaison officer with respect to the HPA. Xxxxx agrees to authorise the Executive Director, Strategy and Policy to act as liaison officer with respect to the HPA. Schedules The following table outlines how the requirements of s. 26(1) of the National Law are represented in the HPA schedules, as well as describing the content of all other schedules. Schedule 1: Accountability Framework Schedule 2: Summary of Services to be provided to the National Board by Ahpra to enable the National Board to carry out its functions itsfunctions Schedule 3: Summary of National Scheme Strategy, implementation map, and National Board’s regulatory plan Schedule 4: Fees payable by health practitioners Schedule 5: Summary of National Board’s annual budget Schedule 6: Performance and Reporting Schedule 7: Equity Framework The Performance and Reporting framework contained in Schedule 6 provides the mechanism for articulating performance metrics for the purposes of this HPA. National Scheme Strategy 2020-25 The National Scheme Strategy outlines the shared vision, mission, values and strategic objectives for Ahpra and the National Boards. Together, Xxxxx and National Boards are focused on ensuring the effective implementation of our strategy including supporting and promoting our four strategic themes of regulatory effectiveness, capability and culture, evidence and innovation, and trust and confidence. Issues management and escalation Issues management and escalation provides a means to identify, track and resolve partnership issues throughout the life of the agreement ensuring each issue is resolved quickly and effectively between Ahpra and the Board. An issue is defined as any problem or concern that has the potential to adversely affect the success of the partnership between Ahpra and the Board. In line with our shared values, Ahpra and the National Board will work constructively to identify and resolve issues in a timely way and at the lowest possible level. Ordinarily, this will be achieved by discussion or negotiation between the relevant Executive Officer, the Chair/nominated National Board member and any other relevant Ahpra senior staff (generally at the level of a National Manager) with responsibility for a relevant functional area (e.g.: registrations, policy etc.). In the event an issue remains unresolved, at the operational level it must be escalated in accordance with Ahpra reporting lines, to either the Executive Director, Strategy and Policy or the National Director, Regulatory Governance who will take reasonable steps to facilitate resolution of the issue to the satisfaction of Xxxxx and the National Board. In the event an issue needs to be escalated further, it will be escalated to the appropriate member(s) of Xxxxx’s National Executive, the Chair of the Agency Management Committee and/or dealt with as a dispute below. Dispute resolution The National Board and Ahpra have a commitment to working together constructively and in accordance with our shared values to reasonably prevent any issues escalating into disputes. For the purposes of this HPA, a dispute is defined as any unresolved disagreement between the Board and Ahpra about the terms or schedules, including the performance of either party, of this agreement. If a dispute arises, as partners, we will use our best endeavours to resolve the dispute respectfully, fairly and promptly. If the dispute cannot be resolved, the matter will be referred to the Ahpra Chief Executive Officer and the Chair of the National Board. If the dispute still cannot be resolved, it will be referred to the Chair of Xxxxx’s Agency Management Committee and the Chair of the National Board. Either the Chair of Ahpra’s Agency Management Committee or the Chair of the National Board may request the appointment of an independent, accredited mediator at any stage in the process. The process for appointment is for both parties to agree to the appointment of the nominated mediator. If we are still unable to agree on the matter, s. 26(2) of the National Law provides that any failure to reach agreement between National Boards and Ahpra on matters relating the HPA is to be referred to the Ministerial Council(as Council (as that term is defined in the National Law) for resolution. The National Board and Ahpra agree that this is a step of last resort that will not be taken unless all prior steps have been exhausted.