VMHPAA Welcomes Federal and NSW Ministers’ Recognition of Counsellors’ Role in Mental Health Workforce BUT Calls for Broader Consultation
- Shane Warren
- Aug 28
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
28 August 2025
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has welcomed recent correspondence from the Hon. Andrew Giles MP, Federal Minister for Skills and Training, and the Hon. Steve Whan MP, NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, both acknowledging the important role of vocationally trained counsellors in Australia’s mental health workforce and the Association’s advocacy around the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
In his letter, Minister Giles reaffirmed that:
The Productivity Commission (2020) and the Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (2021) recognised the potential of counsellors and psychotherapists to contribute more significantly to suicide prevention and mental health support.
The Government is developing a cohesive set of national standards, in consultation with sector stakeholders, including counsellors, psychotherapists, consumers, training providers, and peak associations.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has already met with VMHPAA to discuss its concerns, and further opportunities for VMHPAA’s involvement will be provided directly.
He will continue to raise VMHPAA’s feedback with his colleagues in Parliament.
Meanwhile, NSW Minister Steve Whan noted that:
Key stakeholders in NSW, including the Mental Health Coordinating Council and the NSW Community Services and Health Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB), were not engaged in the federal consultation process.
Their expertise is vital, and their absence highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to ensure standards reflect both vocational education pathways and mental health service realities.
National Standards should consider multiple entry points into the profession, including VET qualifications, to maintain a diverse and responsive workforce.
VMHPAA Chair Shane Warren said he was encouraged by the recognition but emphasised the need for stronger, broader consultation:
“We are heartened to have the support of both the Federal Minister for Skills and Training and the NSW Minister for Skills and TAFE. Their recognition of the value of vocationally trained counsellors reinforces what the Productivity Commission and Select Committee have already said: this workforce is essential if we are to fix a system they themselves described as unfit for purpose.”
“But recognition is not enough. As Minister Whan rightly pointed out, key stakeholders in NSW were not consulted. If the process is to deliver fair, practical, and evidence-based standards, then every voice across vocational training, community services, and mental health delivery must be heard, not just a narrow selection of stakeholders.”
“VMHPAA welcomes the positive assurances from Minister Giles that our advice is being considered and that further engagement is coming. Now, we encourage the Minister to ensure these discussions involve NSW and other states, alongside the many organisations and practitioners who were overlooked in the first round. Only by including all parties can we build a workforce strategy that truly meets Australia’s needs.”
VMHPAA will continue its advocacy with federal and state governments, urging for inclusive consultation that respects vocational pathways and ensures communities retain access to skilled, affordable, and accessible counsellors across schools, health services, and private practice.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
VMHPAA
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