The Federal Government has tasked Professor Michael Kidd with reviewing the evidence for naturopathy, yoga and “Rolfing” as it decides whether to lift a ban on private health insurers funding alternative therapies.

The ban, introduced last year, was based on a 2015 report by the country’s chief medical officer that found there was little, if any, robust evidence that they worked.

The ban was intended to prevent taxpayers’ money in the form of private health insurance subsidies being squandered on quack remedies.

However it sparked an immediate backlash from integrative health advocates, including from former AMA president Dr Kerryn Phelps.