Advocacy

The Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) was founded to bring equality, diversity and unity back to Australian psychology by:

• Presenting a united voice for psychologists to government, stakeholders and funding bodies
• Promoting the recognition, professionalism, skills and expertise of all psychologists
• Improving access and equity to psychological services in Australia by removing barriers to effective treatment
• Advocating for the removal of two-tier systems in all forms.

We are stronger together

AAPi stands firm in its commitment to champion a fair and balanced system for every psychologist in Australia, as well as the clients and communities they serve. We're not just talking about change - we're actively driving it. This journey involves continuous dialogue, collaborations, advocacy, and legal and lobbying efforts with key stakeholders and decision-makers in the field. We're on a mission, and we won't stop until we've made a difference.

Some of our key advocacy wins over the last 12 months include:

• DSP Win- Through submissions, consultations and senate enquiries, AAPi was instrumental in changing the legislation to allow supporting evidence from all psychologists to be accepted towards a diagnosis of mental health conditions that are eligible for a disability pension.
• Alongside our legal team and Dr Marian Kolta, we achieved a successful outcome for clinical endorsement substantial equivalence, setting the scene for future cases to come.
• WorkCover QLD significantly increased fees claimable by psychologists and provisional psychologists.
• Beneficial changes to Better Access Group Therapy- AAPi was instrumental in positive changes for more flexibility and longer sessions for Better Access group therapy.
• Medicare Advocacy win for the establishment of family and carer Better Access sessions.
• Telehealth eating disorder and mental health service changes to remove geographical requirements and increase access.

Read about our recent advocacy wins in more detail in our 22/23 Financial Year advocacy update.

In 2023, AAPi joined forces with The McKell Institute to shine a spotlight on the pressing issues affecting psychologists. This collaboration gave birth to the 'Help Us Help More' campaign. We launched this impactful campaign at Parliament House, with the Minister for Mental Health leading the conversation as our keynote speaker. The event was a magnet for political leaders from all sides, many of whom pledged their support for our cause. Rest assured, AAPi is at the forefront of every consultation that matters to psychologists.

Looking ahead

AAPi unwaveringly champions the value and worth of all psychologists, without exception. We're tirelessly advocating for an increase in Medicare-rebated sessions to up to 40 for clients of ALL psychologists, at a higher rebate amount of $150. But we're not stopping there - we're also pushing for the inclusion of provisional psychologists in the Medicare rebate, to extend mental health support to more Australians in need.

Our commitment is steadfast. We're dedicated to promoting the interests of psychologists, fighting for fair practices, and enhancing the delivery of psychological services. Our goal? To bring tangible benefits to individuals, families, and communities across Australia.

We are fighting for:

• Access to additional subsidised psychological therapy sessions under Medicare for those with more complex mental health needs. An arbitrary cap of 10 sessions a year is insufficient and not evidence based.
• Increase the Medicare rebate for all psychologists to $150. This would decrease out-of-pocket expenses and enable more bulk billing, ensuring mental health services are more accessible.
• We need more support to expand services to rural and regional Australia. Expanding incentives, higher rebates and programs currently only available to GPs is a crucial ask from AAPi.
• Medicare eligibility expanded to include provisional psychologists. This will improve access and timeliness of services while supporting the future of our profession and the workplaces that employ them.
• We need to improve career pathways for psychology students. Too many students are missing out on becoming psychologists due to barriers to entry. AAPi is working to reinstate the 4+2 internship program and plans to provide more university places and increase the diversity of the course types available.