A lot has happened in the last few weeks, and many of the changes being proposed or discussed have the potential to shape not only how psychologists practise, but the future direction of the profession itself.

From major reforms to psychology education and training, to significant NDIS legislation, Medicare reform discussions, DVA funding updates, and ongoing Better Access issues, there is a lot unfolding that may impact your work, your clients, and the future of psychology.

This edition includes a special deep dive into the Psychology Board’s proposed Education and Training Reforms, an update on new NDIS legislation and what it could mean in practice, and further information on DVA changes announced in the Federal Budget. Next week, we will dive deep into Thriving Kids and provide solutions and pathways forward.

Behind the scenes, AAPi has also met this week with the Psychology Board, the NDIA regarding reforms and pricing, DVA, and the Department through the Better Access Industry Liaison Group, where discussions are progressing on several longstanding issues raised by members. 

As always, we know many of these reforms create uncertainty and anxiety for psychologists and the communities you support. We will continue advocating for practical solutions, providing updates as information emerges, and ensuring psychologists’ voices remain represented in decisions shaping the future of the profession.

The Psychology Board has proposed major changes to psychology education and training pathways that could shape the profession's future for decades to come.

AAPi agrees reform is needed. The current system has genuine problems. However, we are concerned that the proposed reforms may create new issues while failing to address some of the profession’s biggest, longstanding challenges. 

One of AAPi’s key concerns is the proposed move from an AQF Level 9 qualification to AQF Level 8 for general registration. AQF levels influence workforce recognition, pay scales, career mobility, and the perceived value of qualifications. We are concerned these changes risk structurally devaluing psychology at a time when workforce challenges are already significant challenges. 

AAPi is advocating for a better alternative: an integrated Bachelor + Master’s pathway that reduces bottlenecks and simplifies training while retaining an AQF 9 qualification, depth, advanced competence and protecting psychology as a postgraduate-trained health profession.

We also remain concerned about proposals to remove provisional registration, unresolved workforce issues, impacts on rural and regional supply, supervision sustainability, and the lack of detail around implementation and future pathways. 

AAPi has raised these concerns directly with the Psychology Board and will continue advocating for reforms that strengthen, not diminish, the profession.

This is one of the most significant changes psychology has faced in generations. Read our full analysis, including AAPi’s proposed alternatives and detailed concerns, on the AAPi website.

The Australian Government has introduced the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026, proposing significant changes to eligibility, reassessments, evidence requirements, planning processes, and the funding of supports under the NDIS.

AAPi is concerned about several potential impacts, including increased expectations that participants demonstrate they have exhausted treatment options before accessing disability supports, stronger links between NDIS eligibility and other service systems, increased automation in decision-making, and reduced flexibility in reassessments and planning. 

We are also concerned about what these changes could mean for participants with psychosocial disability, families already under pressure, and psychologists supporting people whose needs do not fit neatly into standardised systems. 

AAPi is currently preparing a submission. Given the short consultation timeframe, we strongly encourage members, participants and families to engage. Real-world examples from psychologists will be critical in highlighting potential unintended consequences.

Read AAPi’s full deep dive, including our key concerns and call to action, on the website.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has confirmed one of the largest investments in allied health funding in decades, with significant increases to psychology fees from 1 July 2027. For example, a 50+ minute psychology consultation (item US14) will increase from $163.40 to $260.

Beyond fee increases, DVA has indicated this reform process is an opportunity to address longstanding concerns raised by psychologists, including travel arrangements, administrative burden, and outdated fee structures. AAPi sees this as a critical window to improve systems that have impacted psychologists providing veteran care for years.

The reforms also introduce a proposed $5,000 annual allied health cap, although DVA confirmed:

• Open Arms mental health services will not count toward the cap
• Medical, dental, optical and hearing services are excluded
• Around 90% of veterans are not expected to exceed the cap

AAPi remains concerned about the impact of a single cap across both physical and mental health supports, particularly for veterans with PTSD, chronic pain, rehabilitation needs and complex presentations. We will continue advocating for separate mental health and physical health caps, clear exemption pathways, and funding arrangements that recognise ongoing and complex care needs.

DVA has committed to extensive consultation over the next 3–6 months, and AAPi will be actively involved to ensure psychologists’ experiences and veterans’ needs remain central to reform discussions.

Read the full article on the AAPi website and AAPi’s advocacy priorities.

The program for the AAPi 2026 National Conference is now finalised and ready for you to explore!

This year’s conference features two concurrent streams, offering an even broader range of topics, perspectives, and practical learning opportunities across the profession of psychology. During the registration process, simply select your preferred sessions for each day and the sessions will be added to your conference itinerary.

Bringing together leading psychologists across Australia, the AAPi 2026 Conference promises an inspiring and enriching experience designed to spark new ideas, strengthen connections, and elevate your practice.

Designed with both professional growth and wellbeing in mind, the conference experience extends beyond the sessions themselves. Set in a stunning location, every element has been thoughtfully curated to balance high-quality learning with opportunities to connect, recharge, and enjoy time with colleagues in a relaxing and restorative environment.

Pre-Conference Workshops are also able to be added to your registration as optional add-ons for the day prior to the conference. 

Registrants for the two main conference days will also receive complimentary access to the recordings from the main conference sessions (pre-conference workshops will not be recorded). With so many outstanding presentations and concurrent streams, you can attend the sessions you most want to experience live, then revisit favourite presentations or catch up on sessions you were unable to attend, after the event.

Take advantage of Early Bird registration before it closes on 31 May 2026, and join us for what promises to be one of our most inspiring and memorable conferences yet.

Welfare strain a real toll on mental health

AAPi Vice-President, Dr Katrina Norris, had an article published in the Hobart Mercury last week in which she argued that rising reliance on income support for mental health conditions reflects systemic failures in Australia’s mental health system, rather than welfare dependency. Limited access to affordable and timely care under Medicare, workforce shortages, fragmented support systems, and gaps between health, disability and compensation schemes are leaving many Australians without adequate support until they reach crisis point. Dr Norris calls for greater investment in early intervention, coordinated care, and accessible mental health services, warning that without reform, both the social and economic costs of mental ill-health will continue to grow.

The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has published a FAQ doc this week on Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General practitioners through the MBS initiative. 

This document covers common questions around the Better Access Initiative, including the changes that commenced on 1 November 2025.

Emerging Minds have released new resources created with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, families and workers to share ideas and tips for supporting children’s social and emotional wellbeing.

The new resources have been made with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing at their centre, honouring and building on families’ strengths and skills.

Head to their website to read and share these resources with your clients.

Questions about My Health Record are becoming more common in clinical conversations. Taking a few minutes to log in and review your own record can help you better understand what clients may see, how information is shared, and how documents like pathology, imaging, and discharge summaries appear.

It’s a simple way to build your confidence in supporting conversations around coordinated care and information sharing.

Explore your My Health Record here.

NDIS Reform Advisory Committee meeting notes published

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has published meeting notes from the NDIS Reform Advisory Committee meeting held on 17 April 2026. In the meeting, there was acknowledgement of growing community concern and the impact on those living with disability, their families and carers, attributing it to negative media coverage, misinformation and uncertainty surrounding NDIS reforms. Discussions covered reform priorities, the Thriving Kids foundational supports model, NDIS communications, and proposed changes to planning and rules, with committee members emphasising the need for clear communication as reforms progress through the next phase.