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Consultation Opportunity – NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee Review
The NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC) provides independent, evidence based advice to government on the suitability of capacity building supports and assistive technology for the NDIS. The Committee’s work focuses on assessing the benefits, safety, and cost effectiveness of interventions to ensure NDIS participants receive supports that are grounded in the best available evidence.
Disability Ministers have now agreed that the EAC should undertake an evidence review on the following supports:
- Early intensive behavioural interventions
- Positive behaviour support for older children and adults
- Social skills training as a disability support for children and young people.
We are aware that many of our members work in these areas, so we’ve prioritised a detailed organisational submission, led by a subject matter expert in this space. We welcome any comments, experiences, or evidence you would like us to consider including as part of the Association’s submission – please send this to amanda@aapi.org.au. Material that has not yet been published that could provide some guidance in this area would be greatly appreciated as it can be used in the ‘grey literature’ search.
If any of these areas intersect with your clinical practice, professional expertise, or research experience, we strongly encourage you to consider making a submission. Your insights as practising psychologists are vital to ensuring that the review reflects real world evidence, clinical nuances, and the perspectives of those delivering care on the ground.
Your voice matters, not only in shaping evidence standards within the NDIS, but in ensuring that supports funded for children, young people and adults with disability reflect ethical, effective and contemporary psychological practice.
If you have input you’d like to share, or if you plan to make your own submission, please let us know. Member contributions significantly strengthen AAPi’s advocacy efforts.
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Concerns over Medicare changes restricting rural mental health treatment
AAPi's concerns about a recent Medicare change forcing patients to see a GP face to face to access treatment via telehealth featured in an ABC article this week.
Medicare now requires patients to see a GP in person at least once in the previous 12 months in order to access telehealth mental health care.
Victorian member Olivia Clayton said the rule disproportionately affected rural patients, who often faced six-to-eight-week waits, travel long distances, and had privacy concerns in small towns.
AAPi Executive Director Tegan Carrison said she was "deeply concerned" about what the rule change meant for regional communities.
"Access to things like telehealth for referrals from GPs is absolutely an essential part of meeting community health needs," she said.
Read the full article here.
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Preventing violence against women starts in childhood
AAPi Director Rachel Samson co-authored this Cheek Media article examining why preventing violence against women must start in childhood, and what the research tells us about how boys are socialised in Australia.
Drawing on national data and developmental science, the piece explores emotional dysregulation, rigid masculinity norms and the “nurture gap” that can leave boys without the relational foundations needed to manage vulnerability and distress. It calls for a broader prevention approach that invests in early attachment, trauma-informed systems and cultural change (not just "attitude" campaigns) to address the developmental roots of violence. A summary of this article was also shared on Instagram.
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Staying together for the kids? Weighing the psychological impact
AAPi Policy Coordinator Carly Dober was featured in this ABC News article on ending a relationship when children are involved. She noted that practical pressures, including finances, caring responsibilities and fear of starting over, can make staying feel easier than leaving. However, she encouraged parents to reflect on the relationship behaviours their children witness each day, as these shape long-term mental health and expectations of love and partnership.
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AAPi is inviting Expressions of Interest from members who are interested in joining the AAPi Board of Directors, following Dr Judith Griffiths transitioning into a different internal role within AAPi. We appreciate the insight, dedication, and commitment Judith brought to the Board and we’re pleased that she will continue to support AAPi in her new role.
Why join the AAPi Board?
Serving on the AAPi Board is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of psychology in Australia. AAPi is a fast-growing, member-led peak body with a strong national profile and an unapologetically pro-psychology advocacy agenda.
As a Board Director, you will:
- Help guide AAPi’s strategic direction, governance, and long-term sustainability
- Contribute to national advocacy on issues such as access, workforce reform, funding, training pathways, equity, and professional recognition
- Represent the interests of a diverse and expanding membership across settings, career stages, and communities
- Work collaboratively with an engaged Board, Executive team, and member community
- Gain valuable experience in governance, leadership, and sector-wide influence.
This is a voluntary position, suited to psychologists who are thoughtful, values-driven, collaborative, and motivated to contribute to positive system-level change.
Who should consider applying?
We encourage Expressions of Interest from AAPi members who:
- Are passionate about the future of the psychology profession
- Bring experience or insight from areas such as clinical practice, education, research, supervision, regulation, business, leadership, policy, rural and regional practice, or emerging practice areas
- Are willing to engage respectfully with diverse perspectives and complex issues
- Can commit the time and energy required to actively participate in Board responsibilities
- Previous Board experience is welcome but not required.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
AAPi is strongly committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We particularly encourage Expressions of Interest from psychologists who are:
- From Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- From culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Neurodivergent
- From LGBTQIA+ communities
- Living or working in rural, regional or remote areas
- From under-represented practice settings or career stages.
We believe that a diverse Board strengthens decision-making, representation, and advocacy outcomes for our members and the communities we serve.
About the role
This appointment fills a casual vacancy on the Board until the next election cycle (November 2026), in accordance with the AAPi Constitution. Directors are expected to meet governance obligations, attend Board meetings, and uphold AAPi’s values and purpose.
How to submit an Expression of Interest
Please submit a brief Expression of Interest outlining:
- Your background and current role
- Why you are interested in joining the AAPi Board
- The perspective, skills, or lived experience you would bring to the Board.
Expressions of Interest should be sent to tegan@aapi.org.au by 28 February 2026.
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Last chance to have your say!
We are asking for your input into our Member Survey on Better Access referral issues, to help us clarify the types and scale of these issues.
Your feedback will directly inform AAPi’s advocacy for:
- Reducing unnecessary administrative burden
- Preventing delays in client care
- Ensuring responsibility for referral accuracy sits with referrers
- Improving the education of referrers
- Making the system better for everyone and ensuring clients can access psychologists
It is vital that as many members as possible contribute their feedback, so that we can present robust, evidence-based insights directly to the Department and advocate effectively on your behalf.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to share your insights.
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From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay superannuation contributions on each payday, replacing the current quarterly payment system. To assist with the transition, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released resources outlining the steps employers should take to update payroll processes and meet their new obligations.
Employers should also be aware that the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House will permanently close on 1 July 2026. Businesses currently using this service will need to move to an alternative superannuation payment solution, with guidance available through the ATO’s transition materials.
Preparing early will help avoid interest and penalties. During the first year of Payday Super, the ATO has advised it will adopt a supportive compliance approach for employers who are making genuine efforts to comply.
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DVA Updates on Eligibility Assessments
DVA has recently updated the Notes for Allied Health Providers to require health providers to assess if a Veteran Card holder is eligible for DVA funded health care, and removed the requirement to contact DVA to confirm eligibility. Providers only need to contact DVA if they are unsure of a White Card holder’s eligibility. The requirement to seek prior financial authorisation for specific treatments remains unchanged.
To support providers, DVA has released this Quick Guide, Flow Chart, Case Examples and Online Guide.
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DVA Webclaim skills training
DVA and Services Australia have launched new online training resources, including an interactive simulation, to help health providers submit claims accurately and efficiently. These resources cover DVA Webclaim via HPOS, electronic claims through practice software, and paper-based claims.
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Free group programs for Veterans and families
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling is offering a suite of free online and face-to-face group programs for current and former ADF members, partners and eligible family members. Programs cover areas such as anger, depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, sleep, pain management, parenting and transition to civilian life. Co-facilitated by a clinician and a Lived Experience Professional, groups are strengths-based, inclusive and designed to build skills, connection and resilience in a supportive peer setting.
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Strengthening disability-led research
The Australian Government has announced a $5.4 million investment to support disability-led research, including a $5 million funding round delivered through the National Disability Research Partnership. The grants will back projects designed and led by people with disability, focused on improving safety, accessibility and inclusion in line with recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission. Applications open from 23 February to 20 April.
The package also includes a new Leadership Program providing up to $30,000 each to 14 postgraduate researchers with disability, supporting career development and strengthening sector connections, further embedding lived experience at the centre of Australia’s disability research agenda.
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NSW: New mental health support teams launched in Lismore
Residents of Lismore and surrounding communities now have access to increased mental health support, with a new mobile Suicide Prevention Outreach Team (SPOT) operating from the Lismore Community Mental Health Service and a specialist clinician working alongside Richmond Police under the PACER program. The SPOT team provides on-the-ground crisis support for people experiencing suicidal distress, while the clinician works alongside police and paramedics to safely manage acute mental health episodes.
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NSW: Free wellbeing workshops for rural women
Women in eight regional NSW communities will have access to free wellbeing and self-care training through the Women’s Wellbeing Workshops, delivered in partnership with the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program. Funded by the Rural Women’s Network, the workshops will explore stress, values, and effective self-care strategies, equipping participants with practical tools and action plans to support their mental health. Sessions will be held in Wee Waa, Manilla, Finley, Mudgee, Yamba, Narromine, Walcha and Urana between March and June.
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TAS: Free mental health support for children
Three new Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs have opened in East Tamar, Burnie and Jordan River, providing free mental health and wellbeing support for children aged 0–12 and their families. Jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, the $12.6 million initiative expands early intervention services for children experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, social or behavioural challenges. Delivered as part of a national network under the Medicare Mental Health program, the hubs offer multidisciplinary, family-centred care with no referral or diagnosis required, strengthening access to timely, local support across Tasmania.
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TAS: New community-based eating disorder facility in Launceston
A new Tasmanian Eating Disorder Service treatment centre, takara narakupa (“walking with kindness” in palawa kani), has officially opened in Launceston, marking the state’s first dedicated community-based facility for people living with eating disorders. Jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, the service delivers intensive, evidence-based treatment for moderate to severe eating disorders, alongside support for families and carers. Delivered through Tasmanian Eating Disorder Service, the facility strengthens coordinated care across public, private and primary health sectors, improving access to specialist support in Northern Tasmania.
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WA: New mental health and eating disorder clinic in Peel
The Peel Community Mental Health Service and Kara Maar Specialist Community Eating Disorder Service clinic in Mandurah is set to open next month, expanding access to mental health and eating disorder care across the Peel region. Funded through the Commonwealth’s Community Health and Hospitals Program and operated by the State, the new facility will deliver comprehensive community mental health care alongside specialist, multidisciplinary outpatient treatment and physical health monitoring for people aged 16+ experiencing eating disorders.
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