This week has been another strong demonstration of AAPi’s ongoing advocacy in action, working across government, peak bodies, and key stakeholders to ensure the voice of psychologists is heard where it matters most. From national advisory groups to Medicare and NDIS reform discussions, we continue to push for practical changes that support both our members and the communities they serve.

A key highlight has been our submission to the Senate inquiry into rural and remote Medicare access. This is a critical opportunity to address the systemic barriers our members are facing every day. In our submission, AAPi has called for urgent reform to end the two-tier system, reduce unnecessary red tape, improve affordability for clients, and strengthen the psychology workforce.

Our advocacy remains firmly focused on what matters most: reversing the burdensome Better Access referral changes, restoring flexible referral pathways, increasing Medicare rebates and session limits, extending rural incentives to psychologists, and ending the inequities of the two-tier system. These are not abstract policy issues, they directly impact your ability to deliver care and your clients’ ability to access it.

Alongside this, we continue to represent members across a wide range of national forums, ensuring psychology is embedded in broader health reform conversations, from NDIS pricing and planning to primary care, carers, and rural workforce strategies.

As always, our advocacy is strengthened by your experiences. Thank you to the many members who continue to share insights and evidence. We encourage you to keep contributing as we push for meaningful, system-wide change.

It has been a while since we have provided an update on Substantial Equivalence. If this is a new topic for you, we encourage you to explore our background resources in the Substantial Equivalence Hub on the AAPi website.

Over the past few years, AAPi has been driving one of the most significant shifts in the psychology profession in decades. Substantial equivalence is no longer a theoretical concept or a rarely used pathway. It is now a proven, evidence-based route to endorsement, and it is actively reshaping long-held assumptions about who is considered “eligible” for endorsement recognition.

We are proud to share that AAPi has now supported hundreds of psychologists to gain endorsement through the substantial equivalence pathway. This includes a particularly important breakthrough: psychologists who were once considered ineligible, those from the 4+2 and 5+1 pathways, are now successfully gaining endorsement. Where this pathway was previously considered out of reach, AAPi has helped make this a reality, particularly for those who have also completed additional postgraduate study, such as postgraduate diplomas and PhDs.

While many applicants have pursued clinical endorsement, this pathway extends across all areas of practice. We have supported successful endorsement outcomes in clinical, educational and developmental, health, and forensic psychology, as well as assisting many overseas-qualified psychologists.

We are also seeing consistent success from psychologists with qualifications in clinical neuropsychology, counselling, educational and developmental, community, sport and exercise, forensic, and health psychology, who have demonstrated substantial equivalence and gained endorsement. These are not isolated successes. They represent a clear and growing body of evidence.

This confirms what AAPi and our members have long said: competence is not determined by a single training pathway. Psychologists from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds are demonstrating equivalent competencies and achieving equivalent outcomes in practice.

Substantial equivalence is a direct challenge to the foundations of the two-tier system. The two-tier system relies on the assumption that only certain pathways produce “higher value” psychologists. Substantial equivalence is proving, case by case, that this assumption does not hold. AAPi’s work in this space has always been about more than individual applications. It is about systemic reform.

At the same time, we want to be very clear about what this work is and what it is not. This is not about being unfair to, or devaluing, psychologists who have completed traditional endorsement pathways. Those pathways require significant commitment, and the psychologists who have pursued them bring deep expertise and make an important contribution to the profession. What we are saying is that the current two-tier system is not fit for purpose. It has divided the profession, reduced diversity across university training pathways, devalued experience and alternative career routes, and ultimately restricted client access to care through different levels of Medicare rebates.

Since 2010, AAPi has advocated for a profession that recognises the full breadth of skill, experience, and contribution across all psychologists. We do not accept that endorsement should be used as a proxy for worth, nor that it should determine access, funding, or opportunity. Substantial equivalence is one of the strongest pieces of evidence we now have to support this position.

But this is not the endpoint. AAPi is actively using these successful endorsement outcomes to advocate directly to the government for:

• An end to the two-tier system wherever it exists- Medicare, public sector awards, NDIS diagnostic report acceptance. 
• Fair and equitable remuneration for all psychologists and increased client access
• A unified profession that values all pathways and all areas of practice equally

Resources and Support for Members

AAPi has developed a comprehensive Substantial Equivalence Hub to support members considering this pathway to endorsement.

We have recently strengthened our resources to make the process clearer and more accessible, including:

• Detailed applicant guides
• Updated templates
• Links to key webinars and tribunal rulings
• Support for AAPi members preparing applications

We also acknowledge the many members who have contributed course materials, unit guides, and program information through the AAPi Community Forum. This collective effort is critical to building the evidence base that is driving real change.

AAPi will continue to lead this work, using evidence and advocacy to push for systemic change that reflects reality rather than outdated assumptions.

The two-tier system is being challenged. And together, we are building the case to end it.

We are thrilled to announce that Speaker Expressions of Interest are now open for the 2026 AAPi National Conference!

Are you ready to share your expertise and inspire the psychology community? We are now inviting expressions of interest from passionate and knowledgeable speakers to be part of this highly anticipated event.

Speaking at the AAPi National Conference 2026 is a unique opportunity to showcase your knowledge, spark meaningful conversations, and make a lasting impact on the profession.

As a valued speaker, you’ll take centre stage to share your expertise, spark meaningful conversations, and contribute to important conversations shaping psychology. You will also enjoy complimentary full conference access to all sessions and networking events, a travel voucher to support your journey to the Gold Coast, and accommodation at the conference venue for a seamless and comfortable stay.

If you have insights, innovations, or experiences to share, we’d love to hear from you. Simply complete the expression of interest form and submit for review by the AAPi Conference Organising Committee.

⏰ Expressions of Interest close 5:00pm AEST, 16 April 2026.

Conference registration will be opening soon so watch this space!

We have had an influx of member communication this week regarding the continuation of a downturn in the number of psychology sessions being approved by NDIS, alongside an ongoing trend of psychology being described as not a funded support/not meeting reasonable and necessary criteria/not funded for the disability type/service being able to be provided by another provider type who is better value for money and participants are redirected to the health system via a Mental Health Care Plan. Where psychology is funded, approved supports are frequently limited to nominal allocations, despite psychology reports clearly articulating functional goals and outlining evidence-based interventions required to achieve them.

Something that might be of assistance to members in managing their requests for funding for clients is a document released this year on the NDIS website outlining when psychology supports are funded. While it is not a perfect document, we do appreciate the NDIA working with both AAPi and the APS in creating it. Providing this document to participants and those making decisions about the inclusion of psychology in plans may be of assistance.

It is important when requesting funding that psychology reports are clear, targeted, and focused on supports that meet NDIS criteria, requesting only those therapies that are reasonable and necessary and squarely within the scope of the Scheme, rather than supports that appropriately sit outside the NDIS remit. The NDIS is very clear that it will not fund diagnostic assessments, and will not fund active mental health treatment. It will however fund disability specific treatment that is focused on functional improvement and preventing decline in functioning.

While the Psychology – Would We Fund It? guide is now live, further work is required to meaningfully address and reverse the ongoing trend in the under funding of psychology supports. AAPi has reached out to the NDIA to work further with them to resolve this issue in order to improve consistency and confidence in the funding of appropriate psychology supports. We will update members on this ongoing work as we are able.

NDIS New framework planning

The NDIS is introducing a new planning process from mid-2026 aimed at making plans fairer, simpler, and more focused on individual support needs. The approach will use a support needs assessment, reduce the need for reports, and allow more time and funding to go directly to supports. Plans will become more flexible and continue to be approved by a person.

The rollout will begin gradually with a small group of adult participants, while most people remain on their current plans during the transition. Participants don’t need to take any action yet and will be contacted when it’s their turn. Further details will be provided once consultation feedback has been finalised. Learn more here.

NDIS funding and sporting, social and recreational activities

The NDIS has clarified how funding can be used for sporting, social, and recreational activities following the 2024 Amendment Bill. The changes provide clearer guidance on what supports are funded, while the requirement that supports be “reasonable and necessary” remains unchanged. Additional information is available on the NDIS website to help participants and providers understand what is permitted:

• Social and recreation supports guideline
• Supports funded by the NDIS
• Pricing arrangements

A key recommendation from the Scope of Practice Review, Recommendation 12, is now moving into action, with the MBS Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) formally commencing work on how new direct referral pathways could be implemented.

Recommendation 12 would allow certain allied health professionals to refer patients directly to medical specialists, without requiring a GP referral first, provided this sits within their scope of practice and is supported by appropriate communication with the patient’s care team. 

For psychology, the initial proposal includes Psychologist to Psychiatrist referrals, particularly where:

• A person’s presentation is complex
• Additional specialist input is required
• There may be a need for medication assessment or management

At its March 2026 meeting, MRAC began considering the principles that will guide implementation and is now developing a framework for how these pathways could work in practice.

If implemented well, direct referral pathways could:

• Improve access and timeliness of care, particularly for people with complex mental health needs
• Reduce unnecessary administrative steps, costs and delays
• Better recognise the clinical expertise of psychologists within multidisciplinary care

However, the detail will matter. There are important considerations to get right:

• Ensuring ALL psychologists are fully included and recognised in any final model
• Avoiding new administrative burdens or fragmented care pathways
• Funded to provide referrals
• Ensuring communication requirements are practical

AAPi strongly supports reforms that:

• Improve timely access to appropriate mental health care
• Recognise psychologists as autonomous, highly trained practitioners
• Reduce unnecessary red tape for both clinicians and clients

MRAC is now progressing this work, with further consultation expected as the implementation framework is developed. AAPi will continue to engage directly and advocate for outcomes that support both psychologists and the communities we serve. We will also seek member input as this progresses; your experiences and insights will be critical to shaping a system that works in practice.

The Australian Government has released its response to the inquiry into the recognition of unpaid carers, broadly supporting many of the 22 recommendations, particularly those aimed at strengthening recognition, improving access to supports, and embedding carers more formally across health and social systems. These included:

• Increased focus on access to counselling and mental health support for carers, recognising the psychological impact of caring roles.
• Greater emphasis on identifying and supporting carers within healthcare settings.
• Recognition of carers as partners in care planning, reinforcing collaborative approaches with families and support networks.
• Improved access to training and support.

While many recommendations have been supported in principle, much of the response centres on further consultation and staged implementation, meaning meaningful system change will depend on how these commitments are delivered in practice.

AAPi would like to acknowledge the many psychologists within the AAPi community who are carers themselves, often balancing complex personal responsibilities alongside demanding professional roles. Your lived experience brings invaluable insight, compassion, and depth to the care you provide, and we recognise both the contributions and challenges that come with this.

AAPi will continue to actively engage with Government and stakeholders to ensure these reforms translate into real, funded access to psychological support for carers, and that psychologists are appropriately recognised and supported as a critical part of delivering this care.

Ahpra has released its new National Scheme Strategy to 2031, setting the direction for how health practitioners will be regulated over the next five years. The strategy focuses on strengthening public safety, improving cultural safety, and supporting a sustainable health workforce. 

Key priorities include:

• A renewed commitment to cultural safety and eliminating racism, with mandatory ongoing training and stronger regulatory oversight
• Addressing workforce shortages by streamlining registration pathways, supporting flexible scopes of practice, and reducing administrative barriers

The strategy also acknowledges ongoing concerns about the complexity and burden of the notification system, signalling intent to improve timeliness, transparency, and practitioner experience.

AAPi will continue to engage closely with Ahpra and the National Boards to ensure implementation of this strategy supports a fair, proportionate regulatory environment, reduces unnecessary burden on psychologists, and strengthens access to high-quality psychological care for the community.

The Australian Guidelines for Assessment and Diagnosis of FASD, released in May 2025, provide updated, evidence-based guidance to improve diagnosis across the lifespan. Approved by the NHMRC and funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care, they support practitioners, educators, and service providers to deliver accurate, culturally safe, and trauma-informed care.

AAPi has recently reviewed and endorsed the guidelines, recognising them as a progressive and forward-thinking approach to assessment and diagnosis of FASD. AAPi particularly commends the emphasis on:

• Clinical reasoning as a core component of accurate and person‑centred diagnostic decision‑making.
• Client‑centred and culturally responsive care, including the deep and meaningful integration of Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing through the Indigenous Framework.
• Shared decision‑making, ensuring that individuals and families are active participants in assessment and diagnostic processes.
• Accessible, equitable pathways to high‑quality assessment and support across a wide range of settings, disciplines, and communities.
• Holistic formulation, with clear consideration of strengths, functional impacts, lived experience, and the broader developmental and environmental context.

This approach is strongly aligned with the Code of Conduct for Psychologists in Australia, which requires practitioners to:

• provide culturally safe and responsive services
• respect client autonomy, dignity, and diversity
• deliver services based on best available evidence
• use clinical judgement responsibly and transparently
• consider the whole person, including social, emotional, cultural and contextual factors, in assessment and intervention.

As part of PANDA's Healthcare Provider Campaign they are sharing free services and practical resources to help with the work of supporting parents and families through some of their most challenging moments. 

They have published a range of materials including factsheets, posters and translated resources for families as well as free perinatal mental health courses and a perinatal mental health checklist in 40+ languages.

They are also offering support to healthcare providers through their secondary consultations helpline as well as information on how to refer families to PANDA's programs. 

NSW Health is inviting applications for Mental Health Research Grants, supporting researchers exploring new and emerging treatment approaches for severe and persistent mental illness, with a focus on basic science and pre-clinical research.

• Grant amount: Up to $1,000,000
• Applications close: 30 June 2026, 5:00 pm

The program aims to improve wellbeing and health outcomes, support research translation into practice, and help NSW researchers leverage national funding opportunities.

Refer to the grant guidelines for more information.

WorkSafe Victoria has released a suite of updated resources to help employers strengthen psychological health and safety in the workplace in 2026. The update includes a new guide and video on managing aggression and violence, alongside practical tools to help businesses identify and address psychosocial hazards. Recognising that exposure to aggression, especially when repeated, can have a cumulative impact on employee wellbeing, the resources focus on early identification, risk assessment, and prevention.

Employers can access factsheets, a psychosocial hazard identification tool, and awareness posters to support safer work environments.

$20 million therapy pilot to inform NDIS pricing reforms

A new $20 million national pilot program will help shape how therapy supports are priced under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The 12-month initiative will see 27 registered disability service organisations share data on service delivery, workforce capability, and participant outcomes to better understand the cost and quality of therapies such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physiotherapy. The findings will support efforts to ensure value for money for participants while maintaining a sustainable provider sector, forming part of broader reforms under the NDIS Quality Supports Program.

National plan to end abuse of older Australians

The Australian Government, in partnership with all state and territory governments, has launched the National Plan to End the Abuse and Mistreatment of Older People 2026–2036. The plan sets out a coordinated, decade-long approach to prevent, respond to, and ultimately eliminate elder abuse, which affects an estimated one in six older Australians. It includes a focus on strengthening support services, improving access to help, and developing a National Prevention Framework to address the underlying causes of abuse. The initiative aims to ensure all older Australians can live with dignity, safety, and respect.

$90 million investment to strengthen disability support in communities

The Australian Government has announced a $90 million investment to support more inclusive communities for people with disability, as part of the first phase of reforms to the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Program. Funding will be shared across 62 organisations nationwide to deliver initiatives over the next two years, including peer-led support, mentoring programs, and improved access to information and referral services. The investment aims to empower people with disability, along with their families and carers, while improving the quality, consistency, and reach of community-based supports.

$6.7 million investment to address violence in First Nations communities

The Australian Government has announced a $6.7 million investment in research to support safer, healthier First Nations families and communities. Funded through the National Health and Medical Research Council, the initiative will support two multidisciplinary, First Nations-led research projects focused on culturally safe, trauma-informed, and community-driven approaches to addressing domestic and family violence which disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This research will develop an accessible map of evidence to prevent and reduce impacts of family violence, codesign a toolkit for community led programs and implement a novel tool to increase identification and support for pregnant women experiencing family violence.

New Australian 24-Hour movement guidelines for adults and older adults

A new report outlines Australia’s updated 24-hour movement guidelines for adults aged 18–64 and those 65+, including tailored advice for people with disability and chronic conditions. Taking a whole-of-day approach, the guidelines combine recommendations on physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep, supported by a review of the latest scientific evidence. The report also covers the rationale behind the guidelines, key research gaps, and plans for implementation and evaluation, providing a practical, evidence-based resource for supporting health and wellbeing across the lifespan.