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AAPi submitted our 2025 Pre-Budget recommendations, calling on the Federal Government to take urgent action to address Australia’s growing mental health crisis and the barriers to access psychologists. Pre-budget submissions aim to influence government policy and funding decisions by highlighting critical issues and proposing evidence-based solutions.
AAPi's recommendations focus on improving affordability and accessibility of psychology services while strengthening the psychology workforce. The key asks include:
Restoring Access to More Subsidised Sessions Under Better Access
The current cap of 10 subsidised sessions is insufficient for individuals with complex mental health needs. AAPi urges the government to reinstate 20 sessions per year to ensure continuity of care.
Raising the Medicare Rebate to $150 for All Psychologists
We want to end the two-tier system and increase the client rebates for all psychologists. The current rebate does not cover the cost of care, leaving many Australians unable to afford treatment. Increasing the rebate would enable more psychologists to bulk bill and improve access to mental health services.
Expanding Medicare funding
Funding for prevention and early intervention services, family and couple therapeutic work and better funding for assessment and testing.
Expanding Medicare Eligibility to Provisional Psychologists
Allowing provisional psychologists to provide Medicare-rebated services would assist in addressing workforce shortages and pipeline issues, provide an additional funding program so provisional psychologists are remunerated appropriately for their work and decrease out-of-pocket costs for clients.
Providing Incentives for Rural and Regional Psychologists and Practices
Additional financial incentives to help regional and rural practices remain financially viable and incentives such as relocation assistance and student loan offsets to encourage psychologists to work in underserved areas.
Improving Career Pathways for Psychology Students
Reinstating the 4+2 internship pathway, improving the diversity of courses and introducing paid placements would remove financial barriers for students and help address the workforce crisis.
Equitable Funding for 5+1 Pathway Students
The 5+1 Master of Professional Psychology students face funding inequities compared to other pathways. AAPi calls for funding alignment and inclusion in government support programs.
Increasing Commonwealth Supported Places for Psychology Students
More subsidised university places are needed to align with workforce demands and ensure a pipeline of future psychologists.
Our submission underscores that Australia is facing increasing financial and structural barriers to care. AAPi urges the government to implement these evidence-based recommendations in the 2025 Budget to ensure accessible, equitable, and sustainable psychological care for all Australians.
A pre-budget submission does not cover all of our advocacy policy agenda items. During the upcoming Federal Election period, there are significant opportunities for AAPi to drive meaningful reforms in a range of the most important areas for our members. We will keep members updated on how you can help shape and become involved in our election campaigns.