VMHPAA Welcomes NSW Minister’s Acknowledgement of Vocational Counsellors in National Standards Debate
- Shane Warren
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
26 August 2025
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has welcomed correspondence from the NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, the Hon. Steve Whan MP, in response to concerns about the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
In his letter, Minister Whan acknowledged VMHPAA’s concerns that the Draft Standards, in their current form, may unintentionally exclude graduates with an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 5 qualification, such as the Diploma of Counselling, from employment or training opportunities in private practice. He further noted that:
NSW stakeholders such as the Mental Health Coordinating Council and the NSW Community Services and Health Industry Training Advisory Body were not engaged in the consultation, despite their expertise;
National Standards should consider multiple entry points into the profession, including VET pathways, to ensure a diverse and responsive workforce; and
The work of counsellors and psychotherapists is deeply valued, particularly the skilled contribution of those trained through the VET sector.
VMHPAA Chair, Shane Warren, said he was encouraged by the Minister’s response:
“We are heartened to have the NSW Minister for Skills and Training recognise the importance of vocational education pathways in building a strong, diverse mental health workforce. His acknowledgement reinforces what VMHPAA has been saying all along: diploma-qualified counsellors are highly skilled, deeply valued, and play a vital role across schools, community services, and private practice.”
“As we continue to advocate nationally, it is reassuring to know that NSW recognises the risk of leaving out VET-trained professionals and sees the importance of keeping multiple pathways open. Community mental health services rely on a broad mix of practitioners, excluding any group would be a serious step backwards.”
VMHPAA will continue to engage with Ministers, MPs, and departments across Australia to ensure that the final National Standards are inclusive, evidence-based, and reflective of the reality of frontline service delivery.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
VMHPAA
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