Protect the Future of Nurse-Led Cosmetic Care in Queensland

Understanding the Changes to Cosmetic Injectables in Queensland: A Comprehensive Guide

Prepared by the Aesthetic and Beauty Industry Council (ABIC)

This comprehensive factsheet, prepared by the Aesthetic and Beauty Industry Council (ABIC), outlines the recent clarifications issued by Queensland Health regarding the handling of Schedule 4 (S4) cosmetic injectables. It explains how these changes are impacting nurse-led clinics, patient access, and business operations across Queensland.

Key content includes:

• What has changed in the enforcement of existing legislation

• How nurse injectors and clinic owners are affected

• Comparisons with other state and international models

• Data on patient safety and industry impact

• ABIC’s response and advocacy actions

• Practical guidance for practitioners to remain compliant

• How to get involved: submit a case study, sign the petition, or join the ABIC taskforce

This document is essential reading for any practitioner, clinic owner, or stakeholder navigating the current regulatory environment in Queensland.

Petition to Queensland Health: Support for Collaborative, Safe, Nurse-Inclusive Cosmetic Injectables Practice in Queensland

Initiated by: Aesthetic and Beauty Industry Council (ABIC)
Date:1 May 2025
Petition Link:   Petition to Queensland Health
QLD Health Factsheet: fs-cosmetic-injectables.pdf

Background

In December 2024 and March 2025, Queensland Health issued updated guidance on the application of existing legislation surrounding the use and handling of Schedule 4 (S4) cosmetic injectables. These clarifications, which include restrictions on registered nurses (RNs) holding, ordering, or storing S4 injectables, have had a profound impact on Queensland’s nurse-led cosmetic clinics, patients, and the broader aesthetic sector.

While these interpretations are based on legislation already in place, the enforcement and compliance expectations have shifted suddenly, disrupting long-standing and safe practice models. Many nurses, primarily women, now face career uncertainty, potential clinic closures, and financial hardship.

Patients and clients now face challenges in accessing the treatments and practitioners they choose for themselves. Treatments that support their wellbeing, confidence and quality of life. With the dismantling of nurse-led care models, they risk being subjected to long delays, reduced availability and sharp increases in cost, without proven or demonstrable safety benefits.

Why ABIC Is Leading This Petition

The Aesthetic and Beauty Industry Council (ABIC) is the national peak body for the professional beauty, dermal, and aesthetic medical sectors. Over 25,000 practitioners, educators, clinics, and suppliers trust ABIC for guidance. ABIC advocates for safe, professional, and future-ready standards in aesthetics, fair compliance models, and recognition of the skills and contributions of qualified nurse injectors.

We have:

• Submitted a detailed Impact Report to Queensland Health
• Initiated formal consultation with the Medicines Approvals and Regulation Unit (MARU)
• Published a comprehensive informed guidance document to support industry understanding and compliance

This petition seeks to respectfully support ABIC’s formal engagement with Queensland Health and to provide collective evidence of the impact these changes are having, and will continue to have, on both healthcare professionals and the community.

What This Petition Supports

By signing this petition, you are expressing support for the following:

1. The urgent need for consultation and industry collaboration on the current interpretation and enforcement of S4 cosmetic injectable rules in Queensland.
2. The right of qualified, experienced registered nurses to continue contributing safely and ethically to the cosmetic medical sector, with appropriate prescribing oversight and regulatory safeguards.
3. A call for a balanced, evidence-based model, such as that used in Victoria, which enables nurses to practise within a structured and compliant framework, with mechanisms for prescribing, dispensing, and custody of medicines that are clear, lawful, and practical.
4. Recognition of the economic, professional and mental health impacts that sudden disruption to practice models has had on nurses, clinics, and the women-led businesses that comprise much of this sector.
5. A request for Queensland Health to issue further guidance or regulatory options that allow nurse-led cosmetic practice to continue safely, transparently, and in the public interest, with the full support of appropriate medical partnerships.

Who Can Sign?

This petition is open to:

• Registered nurses and nurse practitioners
• Doctors, pharmacists, and prescribing professionals
• Dermal therapists, clinic owners, and staff
• Cosmetic clients and members of the public who value safe, accessible nurse-led care
• Anyone who believes in balanced, practical healthcare regulation

Petition Link: Petition to Queensland Health

Petition Statement: "We, the undersigned, support a collaborative, regulated model of nurse-led cosmetic injectable care in Queensland that maintains safety, protects professional practice, and ensures equitable access for clients. We respectfully request that Queensland Health and MARU consult with industry experts, including ABIC, to review the current update and explore a balanced solution that safeguards patient outcomes without disrupting viable nurse-led models."

Final Note

We acknowledge Queensland Health’s ongoing work to ensure public safety and compliance. We also believe in the power of collaboration and professional accountability. With this petition, we hope to demonstrate that a supportive, well-regulated environment for nurse-led practice is not only possible, but vital.

Thank you for lending your voice. 

ABIC, The Aesthetic and Beauty Industry Council
www.theabic.org.au