VMHPAA Welcomes Queensland Health Minister’s Acknowledgement of Counsellor Workforce Concerns
- Shane Warren
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
28 July 2025
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has welcomed correspondence from the Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, the Hon. Tim Nicholls MP, in response to our concerns regarding the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
In his reply, Minister Nicholls:
Acknowledged VMHPAA’s advocacy and concerns about service access, particularly in regional, rural, and remote communities;
Confirmed that Queensland Health is contributing to the development of the Draft Standards through national consultation processes and as a member of the National Mental Health Workforce Working Group;
Stated Queensland Health’s support for the intention of national standards to strengthen safety, quality, and confidence in counselling services; and
Recognised the importance of addressing workforce shortages across Queensland and the potential role counsellors can play in meeting this growing demand.
“We are encouraged that the Queensland Health Minister has formally acknowledged the concerns raised by VMHPAA,” said Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA. “Queensland faces some of the sharpest mental health workforce shortages in the nation, especially outside metropolitan centres. Diploma-qualified counsellors and psychotherapists are often the first responders in these communities, and their contribution must be safeguarded within any national standards framework.”
Philip Armstrong, CEO of VMHPAA, added: “It is positive to see Queensland Health’s commitment to both quality and workforce supply. Our concern remains ensuring that national standards are inclusive of vocationally trained counsellors, who are delivering critical, affordable care every day across schools, community health, aged care, disability services, and private practice.”
VMHPAA will continue to engage with Queensland Health, the Commonwealth Government, and other jurisdictions to ensure the Draft National Standards protect public safety while preserving workforce diversity and access to timely, affordable care.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
VMHPAA
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