VMHPAA Welcomes NT Education Minister’s Recognition of Diploma-Qualified Counsellors
- Shane Warren
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 July 2025
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has welcomed recent correspondence from the Northern Territory Minister for Education and Training, acknowledging the validity of VMHPAA’s concerns regarding the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
In their letter, the Minister recognised that excluding Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 5 counsellors from private practice and supervision roles would have significant impacts, particularly in regional and remote communities. Importantly, the Northern Territory Department of Education and Training has recently expanded its own framework to include diploma-qualified counsellors as part of the workforce, changing the previous requirement for a minimum bachelor-level qualification.
Under this model, diploma-qualified counsellors in NT schools will:
Be formally recognised as part of the wellbeing workforce,
Receive ongoing professional support and supervision from line managers and professional practice teams (qualified at AQF Level 7 or above), and
Continue to play a frontline role in supporting students, with pathways to escalate ongoing concerns to health and community services.
“This acknowledgement from the Northern Territory Government is a powerful validation of what VMHPAA has consistently argued- that diploma-qualified counsellors are skilled, safe, and essential members of Australia’s mental health workforce,” said Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA. “It is particularly encouraging to see the NT lead the way in embedding diploma-trained practitioners into schools, recognising their value while providing structures for supervision and professional support.”
Philip Armstrong, CEO of VMHPAA, added: “The NT’s approach demonstrates a practical, balanced pathway forward; one that maintains quality and safety while also addressing workforce shortages. This is the type of evidence we hope the Commonwealth will consider when finalising the National Standards.”
VMHPAA will continue its advocacy to ensure that the contributions of diploma-qualified counsellors are protected and recognised nationally, ensuring communities, especially in rural and remote Australia, retain access to timely, affordable, and effective mental health support.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
VMHPAA
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