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It has been another exceptionally active period for AAPi as we continue our work representing psychologists and advocating for stronger systems that support both practitioners and the communities we serve.
Over recent weeks, AAPi has made several significant submissions across a range of national reforms impacting psychological practice. These include consultations on National Guidance for Best Practice in Inclusive Education for Autistic Students, Queensland’s Lifetime Treatment, Care and Support Scheme for Serious Personal Injuries, the MBS Allied Health Chronic Condition Management Review, and several major NDIS consultations, including Defining Therapy Supports, A New Definition for NDIS Providers, and the NDIS New Planning Framework.
Behind the scenes, our engagement with government and sector stakeholders continues to intensify. AAPi has been actively involved in key meetings advancing national digital health interoperability and cybersecurity initiatives, with several high-quality, free courses and resources for psychologists currently under development. We are also undertaking substantial work on the NDIS Annual Pricing Review, and ongoing participation in the NDIS National Mental Health Sector Reference Group, ensuring the voice of psychologists remains central to national reform discussions.
At the same time, the Better Access referral changes introduced in November 2025 continue to create significant confusion and administrative burden for psychologists across the country. If you have not yet read our updated guidance article, we strongly encourage you to do so.
Early results from AAPi’s Better Access member survey paint a concerning picture. Sixty-six per cent of respondents report that between 25% and more than 75% of their referrals are currently non-compliant, with only 2.5% reporting no issues at all. The most common problems include referrals with no session numbers listed, initial referrals requesting more than six sessions, confusion between a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral, and, in some cases, GPs declining to provide referrals due to misunderstandings about the new rules.
The administrative impact is significant. Almost 80% of psychologists report spending between 16 and more than 30 minutes resolving each non-compliant referral, often requiring multiple attempts to contact the referring practitioner. The consequences for clients are equally concerning, with many facing additional GP appointments and increased costs simply to correct referral errors.
Perhaps most worrying yet not surprising, close to 90% of respondents report that the November changes are making Better Access and accessibility worse, while significantly increasing the workload for psychologists and practice staff.
In the coming days, AAPi will be sharing these findings with the Department of Health, the Minister, and national media as part of our ongoing advocacy to secure practical fixes to these issues and restore a system that works for both clinicians and clients.
Every day and in every way, AAPi continues to show up advocating for psychologists, engaging with government, and working to build better mental health care systems in Australia.
Thank you for your continued support, which makes this work possible.
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Concerns over Medicare changes restricting rural mental health treatment
Following last week’s ABC News coverage featuring Victorian member Olivia Clayton and Executive Director Tegan Carrison, concerns about Medicare changes restricting telehealth mental health access have continued to gain media attention. The issue was also discussed on ABC Australia Wide radio, highlighting the challenges the rule change creates for rural patients. The change means patients are required to see a GP in person at least once in the previous 12 months in order to access telehealth mental health care.
Croakey also reported on the issue, highlighting Tegan’s concerns that people in need of mental health care are now required to travel significant distances for a face-to-face GP appointment, with wait times in some areas stretching to six to eight weeks or more.
AAPi has called for the reinstatement of the ability for a GP to provide mental health-related services, including Mental Health Treatment Plans, reviews and referrals, without having to see the client face-to-face, if that is in the best interests of the patient. We are also advocating for greater flexibility for patients in rural and remote areas and recognition of established, ongoing therapeutic relationships, even where these have occurred via telehealth rather than in person.
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When increased access to ADHD diagnosis is neither fair nor equitable
AAPi member Max Loomes has cautioned that expanding GP involvement in ADHD diagnosis and treatment in this Croakey article. While well-intentioned, this change may inadvertently deepen health inequities. Writing on recent reforms backed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Loomes argues that without a targeted health equity approach, increased prescribing capacity could further entrench “postcode inequality”, with wealthier communities better positioned to access assessment, medication and follow-up care. He calls on policymakers to prioritise under-serviced rural and lower socioeconomic areas, ensuring funding, training flexibility and structural supports are directed where they are needed most.
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Divorce coaches: professional guidance still essential
In a feature article about divorce coaches that ran across News Corp newspapers nationally, AAPi President Sahra O'Doherty voiced her concerns about the lack of regulation in this space. She warned that terms like “divorce coach” can confuse the public, as "we don’t really know what qualifications they have, what legislation they abide by, and what they can reasonably achieve for a client.”
Sahra advised that those needing legal guidance should consult a lawyer, while those seeking emotional support could see a psychologist. While many divorce coaches have practised or still work as lawyers or psychologists, others are life coaches who have gone through a divorce themselves. She cautioned against relying solely on coaches’ personal experiences, emphasising that professional advice should be consistent, evidence-based, and replicable, rather than based on personal anecdotes.
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The standout advocacy coverage for February was ABC’s reporting, both online and on radio, on the Medicare changes affecting access to telehealth. In addition to the online story and local radio segments, the coverage ran nationally across ABC Australia and continued to receive local radio attention this week.
Health Services Daily covered AAPi’s concerns about the Thriving Kids program, which was further highlighted on the ABC Insiders podcast.
Radio remains a powerful platform for our advocacy. In February, Dr Leanne McGregor spoke on ABC Gold Coast about first responders’ mental health, Jocelyn Brewer appeared on ABC Radio WA to discuss AI grief bots, and AAPi President Sahra O’Doherty was featured on ABC Radio Sydney on the topic of overthinking.
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Each month, AAPi members receive complimentary access to a reference book. This month’s title is 'Health and Wellness in People Living with Serious Mental Illness.'
This book explores the significant health challenges faced by people with serious mental illness - who often die 10–20 years earlier than their peers - and highlights research and practical approaches to improving wellbeing, with a strong focus on community-based participatory research that involves people with lived experience as partners in developing solutions.
Members can access the book for the month of March here.
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Missed a recent webinar? Explore the AAPi webinar library to catch up on our recent recordings on demand, such as:
For AAPi members, live webinar attendance or on-demand viewing is automatically recorded in your CPD Log for effortless tracking.
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Government urged to address concerns about AI in mental health care
A new report from the Black Dog Institute warns that the rapid uptake of AI in mental healthcare is outpacing regulation, as more Australians turn to AI chatbots for mental health support. The report highlights growing evidence that some people are using tools such as AI chatbots as a form of “personal therapist”. While AI may have potential to support the system in areas such as service navigation, administrative tasks and matching patients with appropriate clinicians, the authors stress that many tools were not designed for clinical care and remain largely unregulated. There are strong calls for stronger national safety standards, improved digital literacy for consumers and clinicians, and greater oversight to ensure emerging technologies are used safely and ethically within Australia’s mental health system.
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New national LGBTIQA+ Health Program announced
A new national LGBTIQA+ Health Program will support community-led initiatives to improve access to safe, appropriate and stigma-free health care for LGBTIQA+ people across Australia. The program will be administered by LGBTIQ+ Health Australia on behalf of the Australian Government, with governance arrangements currently being finalised. The first grant round opened in February 2026, with funded projects expected to commence from July 2026, and a second round planned for September 2026.
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National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions 2026–2035
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released the National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions 2026–2035, setting a long-term plan to prevent and manage chronic illness. The framework provides a shared national policy foundation for governments, health services, and communities, promoting integrated, multidisciplinary care across the whole of life.
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Parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate and violence against First Nations people
The Government has announced it will conduct an inquiry into racism, hate and violence directed at First Nations people reporting by mid September 2026. There has been a reported increase in racism against First Nations Australians, especially online. The Minister for Indigenous Australians is encouraging First Nations people to engage with the inquiry and consider making a submission.
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Support for younger people seeking alternatives to Aged Care
The Younger People in Residential Aged Care System Coordinator Program will continue for another 12 months, through to December 2026, to help younger people under 65 with high-level care needs explore alternatives to residential aged care. The program, delivered nationally by Ability First Australia in partnership with states and territories, supports those who are not NDIS participants to access age-appropriate housing and coordinated community services. Established following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the program ensures younger people with complex needs receive tailored support outside the aged care system.
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WA: Assistive Technology Pilot expands to Western Australia
People with disability in Western Australia will gain improved access to affordable assistive technology through the $5 million Assistive Technology Rental and Refurbishment Pilot, delivered nationally by Ability First Australia and implemented locally by Ability WA. The program enables participants under 65 to purchase, rent or exchange refurbished equipment via an online platform, with the flexibility to trial and switch technology as needs change. Already operating in South Australia and Tasmania, the pilot will run in WA until December 2026, supporting more timely, cost-effective access to essential disability supports.
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