Fake nurse convicted and fined $4,000 after Ahpra prosecution

05 Feb 2025

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has prosecuted a man for claiming to be a nurse, in contravention of section 116 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law 2009 (National Law).

Amosa Talau Taulaga, also known as Amos Taulaga, studied nursing for several years but never completed his nursing degree. He has never been registered as a nurse or in any other health profession under the National Law.

Mr Taulaga applied for a role at an organisation that provides alcohol and drug rehabilitation and support services, claiming to be a registered nurse with experience managing a team of other nurses. To support his application, he provided the organisation a false university nursing degree certificate, and a CV that contained several misrepresentations, including that he had completed a nursing fellowship, volunteered as a nursing associate, completed all clinical placements and became a graduate registered nurse. 

He was offered the job, however shortly after starting, his employer became concerned about his job performance. After further enquiries, the organisation realised that he did not appear on the public register of practitioners.  Mr Taulaga was questioned about his qualifications and registration status and subsequently resigned. The organisation then reported the matter to Ahpra.

On 4 February 2025, Mr Taulaga pleaded guilty to two counts of using or taking a title and words to indicate he is a health practitioner, one count of claiming to be qualified to practise as a health practitioner and one count of holding out as health practitioner.

In sentencing, Magistrate Vincenzo Caltabiano noted that these were ‘serious offences…. involving a breach of trust and a degree of planning’. 

His Honour further commented that ‘there are good reasons for the strict regulation of the health industry… it requires both skill and trust to function - this type of offending undermines that’.   After taking into account the early plea of guilty Magistrate Caltabiano convicted Mr Taulaga and imposed a fine of $4000.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Chair, Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM, said the decision sends a strong message that pretending to be a nurse has serious consequences.

‘Communities rely on registered nurses to provide safe and appropriate care, particularly in settings that support vulnerable people,’ said Adj Professor Casey.

‘Falsely claiming to be a nurse is not just misleading - it is a serious risk to public safety, and we will not hesitate to act to protect the public.’

Acting Ahpra CEO, Kym Ayscough said the outcome highlights the ongoing importance of Ahpra’s role in safeguarding the public.

‘Ahpra will continue to take firm action against those who misrepresent themselves as registered health practitioners,’ said Ms Ayscough.

Anyone with concerns about whether an individual is registered can check the online Register of practitioners maintained by Ahpra or call 1300 419 495.

Contact us

• Media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200 or media@ahpra.gov.au
• For registration enquiries, please phone 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 3 9125 3010 (overseas callers).