VMHPAA Welcomes Recognition of Concerns by Tasmanian Government Amid National Standards Review
- Shane Warren
- Jun 27
- 1 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
27 June 2025
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) acknowledges recent correspondence from the Tasmanian Department for Education, Children and Young People regarding the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
In the response, Deputy Secretary Trudy Pearce confirmed that VMHPAA’s concerns have been formally noted and referred through appropriate channels during the caretaker period, with the matter to be carried forward for consideration by the incoming Tasmanian Government. The Department also acknowledged the importance of the issues raised by VMHPAA regarding the impact of the proposed Draft Standards on qualifications for counsellors.
As a recognised national peak body, VMHPAA is heartened by this acknowledgement and reassured that our advocacy is being taken seriously across all levels of government.
“While we understand that the Tasmanian Government is currently in caretaker mode, it is encouraging to know that our concerns have been formally recognised and will be brought to the attention of the incoming government,” said Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA. “We remain committed to ensuring that vocationally trained mental health practitioners, who are delivering essential services every day across schools, community health, disability, and aged care, are not excluded or diminished in this process.”
VMHPAA will continue to engage constructively with both Federal and State Governments to ensure the development of inclusive, equitable, and practical National Standards that reflect the diverse mental health workforce supporting Australians.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
VMHPAA
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