This past fortnight the AAPi team have been busy working on advocacy endeavours to enhance mental health services and support for psychologists across Australia. From submissions advocating for better after-hours care, to our active participation in national discussions on digital health and disaster resilience, our efforts are geared towards creating a more robust and accessible mental health system.
Advocating for After-Hours Services
AAPi has submitted a proposal advocating for a significant increase in Medicare rebate fees for psychological services provided during after-hours. Our goal is to make mental health care more affordable and accessible, to encourage psychologists to offer extended service hours, and improve the overall availability of after-hours psychological support. This change will help reduce the financial burden on consumers, incentivise more psychologists to offer after-hours services, and ensure better mental health outcomes through timely care.
Strengthening Australia’s Disaster Resilience
Our latest submission addresses the need for enhanced mental health services during climate-related disasters. We are advocating for permanent Medicare item numbers to provide immediate financial support and easier access to psychological services without a GP referral during disasters. This initiative aims to better support mental health providers and ensure effective care during critical times, enhancing the resilience of communities facing such crises.
Engagement with NDIS Registration Taskforce
AAPi has actively participated in a Roundtable discussion with the NDIS Registration Taskforce, providing insights and further written submissions regarding the NDIS registration review.
Participation in CSIRO-Sparked Clinical Design Working Group
We attended a working group focused on the urgent need for interoperability within healthcare technology. We are advocating for systems that work seamlessly across services and alleviate workforce strain, to enhance care across Australia.
Additional Submissions Regarding NSW Services and Birth Trauma
Following our appearance before the Committee in Sydney, AAPi was requested to make an additional submission to the NSW Birth Trauma Select Committee to provide further recommendations focused on Rural and Remote access and NSW-specific recommendations. Our recommendations focus on increasing funding and support for mental health services in rural and remote areas. AAPi was also requested to provide recommendations for what the NSW Government could do if the Federal Government failed to take action.
These solutions included:
- Increasing the percentage of PHN funding spent on mental health service provision.
- Campaigns to increase the number of psychologists employed in NSW Health. An essential requirement would be removing endorsement requirements for psychologists within NSW Health. Psychologists should be employed and promoted based on skills and experience, not limited by area of endorsement.
- Develop a NSW pilot for funding provisional psychologists, similar to a Medicare rebate scheme.
- State-based Government funded Medicare “gap-free” payments to those most vulnerable.
WorkCover QLD Submission
Our submission to WorkCover QLD emphasised the need for equitable remuneration and proposed a higher standard consultation fee, to adequately compensate psychologists' time and expertise. The recommendations included adjusting fees for psychological reports and case conferencing to reflect the actual effort, expertise and resources involved. The submission also called for modifications to the practice of requesting full client records, advocating instead for paid comprehensive reports that focus on relevant details without unnecessary administrative burden.
Federal Government Digital Programs Involvement
AAPi remains actively involved in several digital initiatives for the federal government. Our activities have included enhancing digital health services like My Health Record integration and Provider Connect Australia to streamline healthcare provider communications and reduce administrative burdens by enabling secure and efficient information sharing across different health service providers, and participating in critical Digital Health Working Group and Clinical Reference Groups focusing on policy implementation, clinical advice, and secure messaging standards. AAPi is working collaboratively to influence national standards for digital health to ensure psychologists' perspectives and requirements are considered.
Ongoing Advocacy for Mental Health in Chronic Disease Management
Our submission to the National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions called for integrated and accessible mental health services as part of chronic disease management. This includes advocating for systemic changes to prioritise mental health, improve public education, and adapt services to meet cultural and socioeconomic needs.
As we progress, AAPi continues to vigorously advocate for policies ensuring all psychologists are supported, accessible and valued. We thank all our members for their ongoing support and engagement in these crucial efforts.
We have several exciting FREE member webinars coming up to kick off May - register today to secure your spot for live attendance:
.png)
New Kids Hubs in Tasmania
Three Head to Health Kids Hubs have been announced to open later this year in Tasmania, across three locations - Burnie, Bridgewater and East Tamar. The hubs will offer services for children under 12 and their families; a formal referral or diagnosis will not be required to receive care.
Learn more.
Extension of dialectical behaviour therapy program for new mums in the ACT
A new Canberra Health Services therapy program, dialectical behaviour therapy, has been extended following a successful pilot phase.
The program aims to help new mothers who are struggling with complex social and emotional difficulties.
Learn more.
Dedicated Youth Mental Health Service to service Melbourne's north west
Following recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System, the Victorian State Government has announced a new and dedicated public youth mental health service will be established.
In partnership with Orygen, the Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service will deliver services at no cost to the community.
Learn more.
The University of Sydney is inviting mental health professionals who assist individuals who work with people who hear voices to evaluate a newly developed resource. This tool, created collaboratively by individuals who hear voices and experts, is designed to support voice hearers through methods grounded in evidence-based practice and user testimonials, which indicate its effectiveness and ease of use. The evaluation requires less than three hours over an eight-week period, and participants may continue to use the resource if they find it beneficial.
Learn more.
The release of the second Issues Paper in the Scope of Practice Review offers further insights into the direction of policy and systemic reforms. As discussed previously, we hope this important review will address the two-tier system and other systemic issues facing psychologists. Pay parity for undertaking the same service has already been flagged as a review recommendation. Other highlights include an emphasis on multidisciplinary care teams with funding that supports this. The ability of non-GPs (including allied health) to make Medicare referrals and direct referral options assisted by technology to streamline processes and reduce administrative burdens. There is also considerable emphasis on a potential move toward flexible funding rather than our fee-for-service models.
AAPi is heavily involved in the Scope of Practice Review and we encourage members to read the Issues Paper and share their insights.
The Rainbow Realities report provides in-depth analysis of the health and wellbeing of LGBTQA+ people in Australia.
The report includes 52 new analyses of existing LGBTQA+ data sets and over 20,000 survey responses from LGBTQA+ individuals across Australia. The report delves into factors that impact LGBTQA+ health outcomes throughout ten chapters, including:
- Mental health and suicidality
- Income inequality
- Housing and experiences of homelessness
- Discrimination and abuse
- Family violence and sexual assault
- Alcohol and other drugs
- Relationships
- Parenting and sexual and reproductive health
- Gender affirmation and trans-affirming practices
- General healthcare
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Intersectional identities
Read the report here.
The Intellectual Disability Health Capability Framework is a crucial resource for psychologists and other health professionals. It aims to equip them with the necessary core capabilities to provide high-quality health care to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Those with intellectual disabilities typically have significant barriers to healthcare and poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of morbidity and preventable deaths. Improved education and training have been recommended, and this capability framework has been devised to assist with this aim.
The framework outlines essential attributes and skills required when working with people with intellectual disabilities. It emphasises the importance of respect, inclusivity, and person-centred care. Psychologists should familiarise themselves with the framework’s principles and guidelines.
All health professionals, including psychologists, need to develop further competencies related to intellectual disability health. These include understanding the unique health needs of this population, effective communication, and adapting interventions to individual circumstances. By integrating the principles of the Intellectual Disability Health Capability Framework, psychologists can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate health system for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Another initiative to be aware of for clients with intellectual disability is that they are eligible for government-funded free health checks each year. You can use a free evidence-based tool called the Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) to support the annual health assessment. The CHAP promotes collaboration between the person with intellectual disability, their supporter or carer, and their family doctor or GP. Free versions of the CHAP are available for adults and young people aged 12 to 18 years. There is strong evidence that these assessments are an effective way to identify unmet health needs in people with intellectual disabilities.
Further information is available here.
.png)
People with dementia and their families should not be left feeling hopeless or unsupported after receiving a diagnosis. The recommendations can help them, and their health care providers, to navigate this time.
Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, and the leading cause among Australian women. It is estimated over 400,000 Australians are living with dementia, with this number expected to double by 2058. The socio-economic burden of dementia is expected to exceed $26.6 billion in the next two decades, representing an eightfold increase. In this context, prioritising innovative and efficient clinical care is imperative.
See more here.
‘Under the Radar’ is a project led by Australian research body, Black Dog Institute that aims to better understand suicide in people not engaged with health care services or support services.
Researchers from Black Dog Institute led a multi-method research project to understand the experiences, thoughts and perspectives of Australian men who experienced suicidal behaviour, but had not engaged with formal mental health services.
The researchers identified 152 phrases that were compelling and shared insight into suicide emotions and rationale. This was then compiled to 18 initial themes, and further refined to 5 themes which focused on men’s emotions, rationale, motivations for suicide, motivations to stay alive, and what might have helped.
Exploring rationales for suicide, some men willingly admitted to psychological difficulties while others presented a strong front synonymous with hegemonic masculinity. The presence of failure was persistent and unacceptable to the men’s thoughts about themselves which fits with conventional constructions of masculinity. Preoccupation with negative thoughts and their inability to recognise positive aspects of their lives may hinder the willingness or ability for men to reach out for support.
Motivations for suicide were mixed. Some men felt that they had no other choice but suicide, and others felt others would be better off without them. Some men also shared that they just needed someone to talk to, others just wanted to be left alone.
Researchers noted that the men who participated in this study mostly identified as straight, older white males.
Read the full paper here.
Defence, veteran and first responder families can be faced with unique experiences that can impact on the health and wellbeing of all family members including children.
To address the challenges facing service families, a range of resources have been developed through the Child and Family Resilience Programs, to proactively support the multifaceted aspects of mental health and suicide prevention by including a range of topics, delivered in targeted storybooks and modules to address specific issues these families face. The resources are free, accessible online, and are developed on the evidence base and use a strength-based approach. These lived-experience narratives provide a framework for discussing the themes presented in the story, then lead to an opportunity to discuss the child’s feelings and responses. These conversations are supported with downloadable puppets and storytelling activities, allowing children to act out what is happening in the story and at home. This helps them safely practice their emotions and express how they are feeling.
The NDIS is calling for expressions of interest to provide feedback about the PACE system, to support further improvement to the provider experience when using the new system.
If you believe you have a good understanding of your organisation's operations, feel comfortable using the myplace provider portal, and the NDIS provider portal, please send your contact details to [email protected] before 13 May to register your interest.
.png)
Compliance Reminder: Employment contracts must not contain pay secrecy clauses. On 7 December 2022, under the Secure Jobs Better Pay Act 2022, pay secrecy clauses in existing contracts became invalid and it became unlawful for employers to offer new contracts containing pay secrecy clauses.
A range of other recent legislative changes under the Secure Jobs Better Pay Act 2022, Protecting Worker Entitlements Act 2023, and Closing Loopholes Act 2024 have impacted employment contracts, independent contractor agreements and enterprise agreements. These relate to:
- Limiting the use of fixed-term contracts
- Sunsetting of zombie agreements
- New anti-discrimination protections in enterprise agreements
- The right for independent contractors to challenge unfair terms
- Changes to enterprise bargaining and enterprise agreements
- New entitlements under the National Employment Standards
Legislative changes can increase employers’ non-compliance risk. Even if you are unaware, ignorance is no excuse.
Download the WorkPlacePLUS compliance timeline for employers.
In light of recent changes to workplace laws, it is important to review and update your HR protocols to ensure compliance.
AAPi members can access a free initial phone consultation with WorkPlacePLUS regarding HR issues affecting you or your workplace. Learn more here.
