There has certainly been no shortage of advocacy this week. AAPi has continued extensive consultations and member engagement regarding the Psychology Board of Australia’s proposed education and training reforms. We know many members are feeling concerned about the potential impacts on workforce pathways, placements, costs, provisional psychologists, endorsement pathways, and broader workforce sustainability. If you missed last week’s detailed update, we strongly encourage you to read this on our website here.

This week, AAPi completed two significant submissions. Our submission on the proposed National Mental Health Workforce Capability Framework raised concerns that overly broad capability models risk de-professionalising expert mental health care, blurring scope of practice boundaries of non-psychology professions, and encouraging substitution of highly trained psychologists with lower-cost workforce models. AAPi called for explicit recognition of psychologists as specialist providers of assessment, formulation, and evidence-based therapy, along with stronger safeguards around scope of practice and workforce substitution.

We also lodged a substantial submission on the proposed NDIS “Securing the NDIS for Future Generations” reforms. AAPi strongly argued that disability support decisions must remain individualised and grounded in clinical judgement, not reduced to rigid evidence hierarchies, standardised planning processes, or cost containment measures. We raised significant concerns about increased barriers to support, narrowing definitions of functional capacity, over-reliance on informal supports, expanded automation, and the risk of funding decisions being driven by fiscal pressures rather than participant need.

At the state level, AAPi also wrote to the Tasmanian Government urging it not to repeat the mistakes seen in New South Wales regarding psychological injury compensation reforms. We warned that restricting access to workers compensation for psychological injuries risks harming vulnerable workers while failing to address the underlying causes of rising claims, including unsafe workplace cultures, bullying, chronic stress, delayed treatment access, and system failures.

Our Chief Psychologist, Amanda Curran, also spent two full days contributing to the national standards for health care information exchange with Sparked (CSIRO) to ensure psychologists and allied health professionals are properly recognised within emerging workforce capability and digital health systems. Separately, AAPi met with Services Australia, the Digital Health Agency and Allied Health Professions Australia, regarding the ongoing confusion and system issues for psychologists surrounding HPI-I/HPI-O registration and digital health systems. While the continued reliance on outdated ANZSCO classifications remains deeply frustrating, we have secured commitments for clearer guidance, fact sheets, and improvements to Services Australia registration information to better support members navigating these systems.

This week, AAPi also attended the Tasmanian Thriving Kids consultation, with a detailed summary included in today’s newsletter, alongside deeply disappointing news from the TGA regarding the continuation of the psychedelic-assisted therapy “two-tier” approach. We also have practical updates for members on the new bulk billing assignment of benefit requirements for psychologists, all the latest Medicare indexation information and changes to the HPSS Award.

As always, AAPi remains committed to ensuring psychologists have a strong voice at the table across workforce reform, Medicare, digital health, the NDIS, education and training reform, industrial matters, and professional recognition, while also providing members with practical, timely updates and guidance on the issues impacting day-to-day professional practice.

The AAPi 2026 National Conference program is designed to inspire, challenge and equip you with practical insights you can take straight back into your work.

Featuring a dynamic mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions and skills-based sessions, the program delivers real-world learning with immediate relevance to practice.

Inside the program for the main conference days on Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 October, you will find sessions on:

• The AI Revolution
• Workers Compensation
• Neuroaffirming Practice
• Innovative Therapeutic Approaches
• Decolonising Practice
• Advancing Psychological Practice in Women's Health
• Working With Children
• Pain Management / Chronic Pain Conditions
• Working With Children and Separated Families
• Sexual Health
• What We’re Not Talking About
• Ethical Practice Management

Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, explore emerging issues, or connect with fresh perspectives in psychology, there’s something for everyone in this year’s program.

Join us on the Gold Coast this October and be part of the conversation.

Register today - Early Bird pricing ends 31 May 2026!

It's National Reconciliation Week this week ( 27 May to 3 June). The theme this year is “All In”, calling on all Australians to commit fully to reconciliation as an active, ongoing responsibility shared across the whole community.

This theme reinforces that reconciliation is not passive or solely the responsibility of First Nations peoples, but requires collective action to build respectful relationships and strengthen communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and futures.

Developed in collaboration with First Nations-owned agency Carbon Creative, the campaign artwork by Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Otis Hope Carey reflects a shared commitment to meaningful change. 

The Medicare indexation rate has been announced, with a 2.6% increase to rebates effective from 1 July 2026.

AAPi members can now access the updated Medicare Quick Reference Guide reflecting the new rebate amounts in the Member Resource library.

Exploring the rise of social anxiety

AAPi President Sahra O'Doherty spoke with ABC Radio National’s Life Matters program about the growing prevalence of social anxiety, particularly among younger Australians. In the interview, Sahra discussed how increased reliance on digital communication and reduced face-to-face interaction may be contributing to rising social anxiety and reduced confidence in social situations. She also explained the difference between everyday shyness and social anxiety disorder, noting that the condition becomes clinically significant when anxiety and avoidance begin interfering with daily functioning, relationships, work and quality of life. The conversation brought in a lot of texts from listeners where Sahra provided insight into their experiences and advice for managing social anxiety.  

The friendship wealth gap

AAPi Director Rachel Samson joined ABC Radio National’s Life Matters program last week to discuss the impact of money and cost-of-living pressures on friendships. In the interview, Rachel highlighted how financial stress and increasing inequality can place strain on relationships, particularly when there is a lack of empathy or open communication. She emphasised the importance of honest conversations, understanding differing financial circumstances, and finding accessible ways to maintain social connections.

ADHD or anxiety? Why these complex conditions often get confused

AAPi Director Daniela McCann was featured in a nationally syndicated newspaper article exploring the overlap between ADHD and anxiety. Daniela highlighted the importance of expert assessment, noting that symptoms of the two conditions can often be mistaken for one another, and may also co-exist. She also spoke about the growing recognition of ADHD in women later in life, with some symptoms previously dismissed as anxiety, reinforcing the need for comprehensive and nuanced diagnosis and support. “Symptoms of anxiety can also exacerbate ADHD. When the brain is in anxious mode you can be more distracted and disorganised.”

Long waits for children’s care raise mental health concerns

AAPi Executive Director Tegan Carrison responded to reports of growing wait times for paediatric and psychology services through Child Development Services, warning of the serious impact delayed care can have on children and families. In her letter to the editor, Tegan highlighted that mental health and neurodevelopmental concerns do not pause while families remain on waiting lists, with delays to assessment and early intervention potentially affecting learning, emotional wellbeing and school participation. “If governments are serious about strengthening Medicare and improving health outcomes for children, psychology must be part of the solution, not an afterthought,” she said, calling for greater investment in the public psychology workforce and improved Medicare rebates to support timely and affordable care.

AAPi has received confirmation from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing that the modernised Assignment of Medicare Benefits (AoB) requirements, commencing 1 July 2026, will apply to psychologists providing bulk-billed services in private practice.

Read our detailed update covering what is changing and what this means in practice for psychologists, here.

AAPi is deeply disappointed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s updated guidance on psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), which continues to restrict lead therapist roles within therapy dyads to psychologists with clinical endorsement only.

We have consistently advocated for a broader, competency-based approach that recognises all registered psychologists with appropriate PAT training and relevant clinical experience. We remain concerned that endorsement-based restrictions are not evidence-based and may contribute to workforce shortages, increased costs, and reduced access to care.

We will continue to advocate for equitable recognition of psychologists, patient safety, and competency-based approaches to psychedelic-assisted therapy, and are seeking further clarification regarding the decision-making process behind the updated guidance.

Read our full article for more information on our response and ongoing advocacy efforts.

The Fair Work Commission has now finalised the gender undervaluation review relating to the Health Professionals and Support Services (HPSS) Award 2020, resulting in significant changes for psychology and other allied health professions.

A key outcome for psychology is that psychologists have been recognised within the new classification structure as an AQF Level 9 profession, with the standard minimum qualification benchmark. This is a significant development and reflects the advanced education, training, and responsibility required of psychologists.

The new HPSS classification structure moves away from the previous generic health professional levels and instead classifies employees based on:

• AQF qualification level, and
• years of professional experience.

Under the new structure, psychologists fall within the AQF 9 stream, which is expected to result in substantially higher minimum award rates.

When do the changes start?

The new classification structure is scheduled to commence from the first full pay period on or after 1 October 2026.

Importantly, the increases will be phased in progressively through to 2030 and are separate from standard Annual Wage Review increases.

Recommended actions for employers and practices

AAPi encourages psychology employers and practices covered by the HPSS Award to begin preparing now.

Recommended actions include:

• reviewing which employees are covered by the HPSS Award,
• auditing psychology classifications based on qualifications and experience,
• preparing for wage increases and future budgeting impacts,
• reviewing employment contracts and salary arrangements for compliance,
• and ensuring payroll systems are updated ahead of implementation.

Practices paying above-award salaries should still carefully review remuneration arrangements.

AAPi will continue reviewing the detailed determinations and supporting members to understand the practical implications of these changes.

Further information:

• Fair Work Commission Decision
• Gender-based undervaluation – priority awards review website

The Australian Government has launched Australia’s first ever national Menopause and Perimenopause Awareness Campaign, aimed at improving awareness, reducing stigma, and helping women access trusted, evidence-based information and support. The campaign includes national advertising, online resources, and public education materials focused on common experiences such as hot flushes, sleep difficulties, anxiety, brain fog, and changes to mental health and wellbeing.

The campaign follows recommendations from the 2024 Senate Inquiry into menopause and perimenopause, which highlighted widespread gaps in education, healthcare access, workplace understanding, and support for women during this stage of life.

AAPi welcomes increased recognition of the significant psychological and emotional impacts that can accompany perimenopause and menopause. Psychologists play an important role in supporting women experiencing changes in mood, anxiety, sleep, identity, wellbeing, relationships, and workplace functioning during this transition.

Members may wish to explore the campaign resources and consider how this growing national focus may intersect with their clinical work, workplace wellbeing initiatives, psychoeducation, and advocacy efforts.

AAPi has a Menopause/Perimenopause Interest Group for psychologists working with those navigating menopause and perimenopause, while also providing connection and understanding for practitioners personally experiencing this life stage.

AAPi attended the Tasmanian Government’s Thriving Kids consultation this week as part of ongoing discussions about the rollout of the new national early intervention approach for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs.

The Thriving Kids model aims to provide earlier, easier-to-access supports for children and families through a mix of navigation, parenting supports, group programs, personalised family support, and therapy supports delivered alongside existing health, education, community and NDIS services.

During the consultation, AAPi raised the importance of ensuring psychologists remain central to service delivery and highlighted concerns around workforce capacity, equitable access in rural and regional areas, and the need for clear pathways for children with higher or emerging support needs.

The Tasmanian Government confirmed that Thriving Kids will be progressively rolled out from October 2026 through to January 2028, with services expected to be delivered through a commissioned “block funding” model rather than individualised funding packages.

AAPi will continue engaging with the Tasmanian Government and national stakeholders as the model develops to help ensure children, families and psychologists are appropriately supported.

For more information, visit the Tasmanian Government Thriving Kids webpage.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has released the recording of its recent Provider Town Hall held on 7 May.

The session provided updates on recent changes, and outlined ongoing improvements to how DVA works with providers, including:

• fee guidance and provider expectations
• strengthened integrity measures
• compensation report requirements
• independent medical examinations
• medicinal cannabis framework updates

DVA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting providers to deliver high quality care to veterans and their families.

The Australian Digital Health Agency offers a range of free online learning courses for allied health practitioners and has partnered with AAPi to make these courses available through the AAPi learning portal, helping to centralise your professional learning in one convenient location.

A range of digital health courses are now available via the AAPi website, including: 

• Registering your organisation for My Health Record
• My Health Record Security, Privacy and Access
• Using My Health Record in allied healthcare
• Digital Health Security Awareness 
• Clinical Safety in Digital Health - Introductory
• Using online conferencing and telehealth technologies securely
• Cyber security considerations when working remotely or working from home

Explore all available courses here.

Disability ministers met to discuss NDIS reform agenda

Commonwealth, state and territory Disability Ministers met last week to discuss the Government’s proposed NDIS reforms, following the 2026–27 Federal Budget. The notes from the meeting have now been published, in which the Ministers acknowledged the scale of the reform agenda, and emphasised the importance of clear communication, consultation and partnership with people with disability, families and carers.

VIC: Consultation open for Victorian State Disability Plan and Autism Plan

The Victorian Government is seeking community feedback to help shape the next State Disability Plan and the Victorian Autism Plan 2027–2031, with consultation now open until 17 July 2026. The process is designed to capture the experiences, priorities and ideas of people with disability, Autistic people, families, carers, advocates, community organisations, allies and local government. Feedback will help inform future policy directions and identify what is working well, what needs improvement, and what should be prioritised in the years ahead.

AAPi is participating in the consultation process and we encourage our members to also get involved to help ensure the perspectives of psychologists and the communities they support are represented.

QLD: Government announces new police mental health support framework

The Queensland Government has announced a $5.5 million investment in a new mental health support framework for current and former police officers through the newly established charity, Cop Care. Developed in partnership with the Queensland Police Union and trauma experts, the initiative will deliver a clinically led mental health triage service and a 24/7 peer support line, Copline Australia, staffed by veteran police officers. The framework aims to support prevention, early intervention and trauma-informed care, while helping police officers access specialist mental health and psychological support when needed.