Update on Achievements in Our Advocacy: Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists
- Shane Warren
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 27
PUBLIC RESPONSE
For Immediate Release
26 August 2025
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) continues to lead national advocacy on behalf of vocationally trained counsellors, ensuring that the voices of our members, and the communities they serve, are heard in the debate over the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
Since launching our campaign and petition earlier this year, which attracted over 1,400 signatures and strong community support, VMHPAA has achieved significant traction at both state/territory and federal levels.
Federal Recognition
The Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, has confirmed that feedback from vocationally trained counsellors is being actively considered in the review of the Draft Standards. Minister Butler specifically recognised VMHPAA’s advice in this process and assured that any future implementation of the Standards will involve further consultation, with VMHPAA invited to participate directly. This is a clear acknowledgment of VMHPAA’s standing as a recognised peak body.
The Departments of: Skills and Training; Employment and Workplace Relations; Health, Disability and Ageing have each engaged with VMHPAA’s submission, directing us toward further dialogue with Human Ability (the Jobs and Skills Council for the care and support workforce) and ensuring our concerns are represented across portfolios.
State and Territory Engagement
The NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education acknowledged VMHPAA concerns regarding the Draft Standards, in their current form, may unintentionally exclude graduates with an AQF Level 5 qualification, stating that it would be beneficial for the National Standards to consider a range of entry points into the counselling profession.
The Queensland Health Minister acknowledged the importance of our concerns, especially for regional and remote communities, and confirmed Queensland’s active role in the national consultation.
The Queensland Education Minister highlighted counsellors’ role in supporting community wellbeing and noted the potential broader impacts of the Draft Standards on the education sector.
The Northern Territory Government has gone further, embedding diploma-qualified counsellors in its schools and providing structured supervision, an approach VMHPAA strongly endorses as a model of inclusion and workforce pragmatism.
The ACT and Tasmanian Governments; as well as ACT Health, Victorian Department of Education and Tasmanian Department of Education have acknowledged our submissions and confirmed they are factoring VMHPAA’s position into their processes.
Secured Support from Parliamentarians
Senator Katy Gallagher has written directly to the Federal Health Minister on VMHPAA’s behalf.
Senator Jacqui Lambie met with VMHPAA and committed to advocating strongly in Canberra, recognising counsellors as an under-utilised skillset vital for schools and community services.
Independent MP Kate Chaney has written to Assistant Minister Emma McBride, encouraging direct engagement with VMHPAA.
Federal MPs across the country including Richard Welch, Melissa McIntosh, Dan Repacholi, Phillip Thompson OAM, Fatima Payman, and SenatorBridget McKenzie have acknowledged our concerns, referred them to Shadow Ministers, or committed to raising them in Parliament.
Our Impact So Far
This broad level of engagement confirms that VMHPAA is now recognised as the voice of vocationally trained counsellors at the national level. Each acknowledgement, referral, and supportive action builds momentum toward ensuring the Draft National Standards are revised to reflect the workforce diversity Australia needs.
Our Next Steps
VMHPAA remains committed to:
Advocating for the inclusion of vocationally trained counsellors in the Draft Standards.
Engaging with Human Ability Jobs and Skills Council to protect vocational pathways.
Continuing direct engagement with Ministers, Shadow Ministers, and crossbench MPs to ensure that public safety is safeguarded without excluding the experienced counsellor’s communities already rely upon.
We thank our members, supporters, and allies for standing with us. Together, we are making clear progress toward fair, inclusive, and evidence-based standards that honour the contribution vocationally trained counsellors make to the mental health and wellbeing of Australians every day.
Please click on the links above for more detailed information about Federal and State Government engagement with VMHPAA.
For more details, please click on the name/s below to email us:
🌐 More information: www.vmhpaa.org.au
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
VMHPAA
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