"Fake nurse" convicted and fined $4000 following prosecution

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has prosecuted a Victorian man for claiming to be a nurse, in contravention of section 116 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law 2009 (National Law). Though having studied nursing for several years, Amosa Talau Taulaga — also known as Amos Taulaga — never completed his nursing degree and has never been registered as a nurse or in any other health profession under the National Law.

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

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

On 4 February 2025, 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. Magistrate Vincenzo Caltabiano noted in sentencing that these were “serious offences ... involving a breach of trust and a degree of planning”.

Caltabiano further commented: “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”. Caltabiano convicted Taulaga and imposed a fine of $4000, after taking into account the early plea of guilty.

“Communities rely on registered nurses to provide safe and appropriate care, particularly in settings that support vulnerable people,” Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Chair Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM said. “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.”

Casey also said the decision sends a strong message that pretending to be a nurse has serious consequences. Acting Ahpra Chief Executive Officer Kym Ayscough said the outcome highlights the ongoing importance of Ahpra’s role in safeguarding the public and that “Ahpra will continue to take firm action against those who misrepresent themselves as registered health practitioners”.

If you have concerns about whether an individual is registered, you can check the online Register of Practitioners maintained by Ahpra or call 1300 419 495.

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