At AAPi, we are committed to ensuring psychologists are not only heard but also actively shaping the systems that impact our profession and the communities we serve. Right now, that work is happening across multiple fronts.

We continue to represent psychology at the national level by engaging with the National Mental Health Workforce Sector Advisory Group, contributing to the development of a national framework and workforce strategy. 

At the same time, we are taking a proactive approach to emerging policy areas like Thriving Kids, positioning psychology as an essential, not optional, part of any meaningful response to children’s mental health. We are also deeply engaged in discussions around NDIS reforms, advocating strongly to protect access to psychologists and ensure that clinical expertise and judgement remain central to decision-making.

Beyond system reform, we are working on issues that directly impact your day-to-day practice. This includes progressing advocacy to address the inappropriate subpoenaing of psychologists’ notes, particularly in cases involving victim survivors of sexual abuse, an area where the balance between legal processes and client safety must be carefully managed.

We are also closely analysing and responding to the Psychology Board of Australia education and training reform proposals, ensuring the voice of the profession is represented in what will be a significant shift.

And with the Federal Budget on 12 May fast approaching, we are actively reinforcing our advocacy priorities, continuing to push for meaningful investment in psychological services and a system that better reflects the value of the work you do every day.

This is what AAPi’s advocacy looks like in action: showing up, influencing early, and ensuring psychology has a seat at the table because these decisions matter and will shape the future of our profession.

Excitement is building as the AAPi 2026 National Conference program nears completion!

This year’s conference is shaping up to deliver a dynamic and refreshing experience, with an inspiring line-up of speakers and sessions designed to spark ideas, foster connection, and drive meaningful conversation. Stay tuned - the full program will be launching soon!

A limited number of partnership opportunities are also still available for organisations looking to be part of this flagship event. You can learn more about partnership opportunities here.

Take advantage of Early Bird registration today, and join us for what is set to be one of the most memorable conferences yet!

NDIS eligibility reform concerns

AAPi Chief Psychologist Amanda Curran has weighed in on proposed changes to how eligibility for the NDIS will be determined, following national media coverage of the Federal Government’s plan to introduce a new standardised assessment tool based on functional capacity. In reporting by ABC News, Amanda raised concerns that a single, standardised tool risks oversimplifying the complex and individual nature of disability. She emphasised that no one tool can capture the full scope of a person’s needs, particularly for those with psychosocial disability.

Amanda highlighted the critical role of trained professionals in assessment, noting that psychologists and OTs are trained in assessment and "we know which assessments to pick and put together to help reflect the accurate picture of that person." While there's a need to improve processes and get more consistency, she warned that there's some real detail missing in how they are doing these assessments and a lack of input from the allied health sector into what these assessments need to look like. Her comments were also featured on an ABC radio news bulletin last week.

AAPi continues to advocate for reforms that recognise the complexity of disability and the essential role of clinical expertise in ensuring fair and accurate access to the NDIS.

The risks of DIY mental health diagnosis online

In her article published by The Guardian, AAPi's Policy Coordinator Carly Dober explores the growing trend of clients self-diagnosing using online content, social media and AI tools. While increased engagement with mental health information can be helpful, she warns that misinterpreting low-quality or anecdotal evidence can lead to unnecessary anxiety, incorrect assumptions, and delayed care. "We are witnessing the rise of the amateur health expert, a well-intentioned but at times costly role." Carly emphasised the importance of understanding evidence quality and encourages people to use online research as a starting point for conversations with qualified professionals, rather than a substitute for expert assessment.

Workers must be valued and empowered

AAPi Vice President Dr Katrina Norris had an article published in HR Leader, highlighting concerning evidence that workplace discrimination in Australia is increasing, with employers continuing to exclude older candidates and those with mental illness or disability based on stigma rather than fair assessment. Drawing on recent data, she argues that many employers are misapplying job requirements, requesting irrelevant health disclosures, and making assumptions about workers’ capabilities instead of assessing current capacity. Dr Norris emphasises that inclusion is both a legal and economic imperative, noting that at a time of skills shortages, excluding capable workers is short-sighted, while supportive and inclusive workplaces consistently see higher engagement, stronger performance, and lower turnover.

Rural mental health pressures

AAPi Director Daniela McCann was featured on NBN News, highlighting the growing barriers to accessing mental health care in the Northern Rivers. With rising fuel costs and broader cost-of-living pressures increasing demand, psychology services are unaffordable for many families, she warned. While telehealth can be a valuable option, Daniela noted it is not suitable for all clients or more complex cases.

Daniela was also interviewed by The Country Telegraph on this topic, speaking to the significant workforce shortages and inequities in access to care, with far fewer psychologists available in regional areas compared to cities. The discussion underscored the impact on patients, including longer wait times and higher mental health risks, and reinforced the need for improved access to psychological services across rural and remote Australia.

AAPi is calling for an increase to the Medicare rebate to reduce out-of-pocket costs, particularly as tighter NDIS budgets and upcoming eligibility changes risk further limiting access to care.

Each month, AAPi members receive access to an additional complimentary reference book. This month’s title is 'Science Over Stigma - Education and advocacy for mental health'.

This book examines the gap between widespread support for mental health treatment and low rates of access and adherence, arguing for a stronger, evidence-based public defence of care while clearly explaining the science, impacts, and practical steps everyone can take to reduce stigma and advocate for better mental health outcomes.

Members can access the book for the month of May here.

If you’ve seen claims that rising autism diagnoses in Australia are due to clinicians “lowering the threshold”, it’s worth looking more closely at what the data actually shows.

A recent Conversation article argues that increases in autism diagnoses are largely driven by the NDIS and reflect lowered diagnostic thresholds rather than a “catch up” in under-diagnosed groups.

The referenced study (Ranjan & Breunig, 2026) does show a clear increase in diagnoses following NDIS rollout. That finding is robust.

The explanation is not.

The study acknowledges that underdiagnosis may have been widespread and that people with greater access to information and services were more likely to obtain a diagnosis once the NDIS was introduced. It also incorporates increased awareness as mechanisms that would increase diagnoses independently of changes in clinical thresholds.

The same limitation applies to diagnostic substitution. The study identifies a small negative effect for medicated ADHD, interpreted as “weak evidence” of substitution. However, this still indicates substitution is occurring. Because this measure is based on “treated ADHD” (capturing only those medicated), it reflects only a subset of the ADHD population and likely underestimates the true extent of substitution.

The analysis also does not consider other diagnostic pathways such as language disorder, anxiety, OCD, or ODD/CD. This is particularly relevant for culturally and racially marginalised populations and First Nations communities, where structural inequities shape diagnosis and access to care. These children are more likely to be initially diagnosed with ODD/CD, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, prior to autism identification. Evidence from the US shows African American children are disproportionately diagnosed with these conditions prior to autism (Mandell et al., 2007). These pathways are not examined.

So when the study characterises the evidence for substitution as “weak”, that conclusion applies only to the narrow categories tested, not to broader diagnostic shifts.

The study also reports a stronger policy effect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, consistent with increased recognition in groups that have historically faced barriers to diagnosis.

Considered alongside acknowledged underdiagnosis and access-related differences, this aligns with a “catch-up” effect in previously under-recognised populations - the very explanation the paper ultimately argues against.

Taken together, the study shows that the NDIS increased recorded autism diagnoses. It does not establish why.

Yet one explanation, lowered diagnostic thresholds, is being elevated publicly as if it were the sole explanation, while equally plausible explanations remain in the background.

And when one explanation is publicly elevated while equally plausible alternatives acknowledged in the paper are downplayed, what is presented as a conclusion is actually a selective reading of the evidence.

The Psychology Board of Australia is seeking feedback on a proposed new approach to becoming a registered psychologist, as part of its Higher Degree Pathway Redesign Project.

The proposal explores a single, shorter and more practically focused course of study, designed to streamline the training pathway while maintaining professional standards.

To support consultation, the Board is hosting a series of in-person forums across every state and territory throughout May. These sessions are an opportunity to learn more about the proposal and contribute your perspective.

Register to attend and find out more.

Join the conversation on the AAPi community forum here.

Ahpra have released an advance copy of the updated Criminal history registration standard, ahead of its commencement on 15 July 2026. The revised standard aims to improve clarity, streamline processes, and better align with current evidence, while also introducing a new factor recognising the impact of racism and systemic inequity on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The update forms part of broader reforms to strengthen public safety in health regulation. Practitioners, students and applicants are encouraged to review the changes in advance.

Each year, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner marks Privacy Awareness Week to highlight the importance of protecting personal information. As part of this year’s program, AAPi members are invited to a free online panel featuring Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind, alongside Anna Campbell, Melanie Lawrie, and moderator Melanie Marks.

With the theme “Trust is built here – In every privacy complaint. In every resolution,” the discussion will explore how aligning consumer expectations with organisational complaint handling can strengthen trust, reduce escalation to regulators, and improve client outcomes.

Date: Wednesday 6 May 2026

Time: 11:30am – 12:30pm (AEST)

New Resource: Informed Consent for Organisational Consultancy

A new editable template is now available in the AAPi member resource library to support psychologists delivering organisational consultancy services. The Informed Consent template outlines key terms, scope, and boundaries of work, helping set clear expectations around confidentiality, roles, and service delivery.

As part of Allied Health Professions Australia's new Digital Hub they have curated cyber security resources to help allied health professionals understand cyber risks and strengthen the security of their practice systems.

With digital tools like My Health Record, secure messaging, and connected clinical systems becoming part of everyday care, strong cyber security is essential. It helps you safely connect to national digital health services, protect sensitive client information, and reduce the risk of cyber attacks.

Explore the resources to ensure your practice is secure.

Through our partnership with Member Advantage, AAPi members can access great discounts across a range of popular brands, perfect for Mother’s Day or simply treating yourself.

Enjoy upsized savings on The Her Card and The Pamper Card (20 April–9 May), 7% off Myer eGift cards (1–9 May), and 15% off The Meat & Wine Co. eGift cards (ends 9 May).

Explore all the offers via Member Advantage.

Whether you’re offering, or seeking, psychology-related products and services - the AAPi Marketplace brings it all together in one place, with listings covering the following categories:

• Community or consulting services
• CPD and events
• Grants, scholarships and tenders
• Materials/Resources 
• Mentoring and supervision
• Real estate and room rental 
• Research 
• Technology solutions

Explore the AAPi Marketplace today.

Submission highlights rural medicare inequities

The Australia Institute has made a submission to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee’s inquiry into rural, regional and remote Medicare access and funding, highlighting significant inequities faced by non-urban Australians. The submission argues that limited access to healthcare, workforce shortages, and current funding structures contribute to poorer health outcomes, and calls for targeted reforms to improve access, funding, and service delivery in rural and remote communities.

QLD: WorkCover QLD introduces ‘My Recovery Plan’

WorkCover Queensland is introducing a new My Recovery Plan from mid-May, replacing the current Rehabilitation and Return to Work (RRTW) plan. The updated format brings injury, treatment, and return-to-work information into one streamlined document, with clearer next steps and a stronger focus on worker goals. For treatment providers, there are no changes to the current process of their role, and they are encouraged to use the plan to guide treatment and recovery, read the full update here.

Help shape veterans’ research priorities: DVA consultation now open

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is developing a 5-year Research Strategy to guide future research and improve how services respond to the needs of veterans and their families. Health professionals are invited to provide input to help identify key research priorities, including lived experience insights, service gaps, and areas where further evidence is most needed. The survey is being run by Phoenix Australia on behalf of DVA and is open until 18 May 2026.

Participate in the survey here.

Update to English Language Test Score requirements

The Psychology Board of Australia has announced upcoming changes to the minimum test scores for accepted English tests under the National Boards’ English Language Skills Registration Standard and Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s English Language Skills Registration Standard effective from 23 April 2026. These changes reflect the latest English test score concordance research released by test providers in 2025 and maintain score equivalence across accepted English tests.

Importantly, these updates do not change the level of English proficiency required - they simply refine how scores are matched across different tests to ensure consistency. Applicants who have already met the previous score requirements will not need to retake an English test because of these changes.

Royal Commission interim report released

The Interim Report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion was presented and tabled in Parliament on 30 April 2026, examining the circumstances surrounding the December 2025 Bondi terrorist attack. An edited version has been released publicly, with a full confidential report provided to governments due to sensitive content, and the report includes 14 recommendations. You can read the report and recommendations here.

‍New research: The State of Multicultural Mental Health in Australia

A new research report from Embrace Multicultural Mental Health has been released, providing a comprehensive snapshot of multicultural mental health in Australia. Despite some lower rates of reported mental health conditions among overseas-born Australians, recent arrivals face higher risk and significant delays in accessing care. The research makes recommendations, emphasising the need for culturally responsive, community-led approaches and calls for action to improve access, strengthen partnerships, build workforce capacity, and ensure services better reflect the diverse needs of multicultural communities.