VMHPAA launches petition urging safe, fair, and practical rollout of counselling standards
- Shane Warren
- Oct 31
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
31st October 2025
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has launched a public petition calling for a safe, fair, and practical implementation of the Final National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (October 2025), with three immediate actions for government:
formal VMHPAA inclusion in licensing framework design;
recognition of supervision pathways beyond “Career Stage 3”; and
clear grandfathering and transitional recognition for experienced vocational practitioners.
“National consistency is welcome, but it must not come at the cost of access,” said Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA and petition starter. “Thousands of diploma-qualified and advanced diploma-qualified counsellors have provided safe, effective, and affordable care for years. A practical rollout that includes grandfathering, inclusive supervision pathways, and our seat at the design table will protect clients, stabilise the workforce, and maintain community trust.”
The petition emphasises that inclusive implementation will:
protect continuity of care, especially in rural and regional communities;
support workforce sustainability and small practices; and
uphold safety with proportionality by recognising demonstrated competence in supervision.
Warren added: “Policy must meet practice. VMHPAA is ready to work in partnership with government so the new standards strengthen, not divide, Australia’s counselling workforce.”
Australians who support a safe, fair, and practical rollout are invited to read and sign the petition on Change.org: “Advocating for a Safe, Fair, and Practical Rollout of Counselling Standards – Australia.”
The petition’s three asks:
VMHPAA representation in licensing framework design (advisory and technical working groups).
Supervision pathways that recognise accredited vocational supervisors with proven competence (beyond “Career Stage 3”).
Grandfathering / transitional recognition for experienced diploma and advanced diploma practitioners via portfolio assessment, supervisor attestations, and CPD bridging.
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia represents Australia’s vocational counselling workforce across community, private, regional, and low-cost care settings. We continue to advocate for practical, evidence-informed policy that protects access and safety.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
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