VMHPAA Welcomes Senator Jacqui Lambie’s Support for Counsellors in National Standards Debate
- Shane Warren
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 August 2025
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) has welcomed a successful meeting with Senator Jacqui Lambie, during which the Senator expressed strong support for vocationally trained counsellors and their vital role in Australia’s mental health system.
VMHPAA Chair Shane Warren and Secretary Susan Sandy shared their concerns about the Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, which propose to exclude diploma-qualified counsellors from practice and supervision. The Senator responded with enthusiasm, acknowledging the essential contribution of counsellors across schools, community organisations, and private practice, particularly in regions like Tasmania where access to mental health support is already stretched.
“Senator Lambie’s recognition of the counselling workforce as an under-utilised skillset is incredibly important,” said Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA. “She sees what we see every day: counsellors are working on the frontline in schools, in community centres, in city services, and across rural and regional Australia, often filling gaps that no other service can.”
Susan Sandy, Secretary of VMHPAA, added: “We are encouraged by Senator Lambie’s commitment to advocate in Canberra for a more inclusive and practical set of National Standards. Her support gives a strong voice to the thousands of counsellors delivering essential services to communities that would otherwise go without.”
VMHPAA continues to call for National Standards that protect public safety while valuing the diversity of Australia’s mental health workforce. The Association will work with Senator Lambie and other parliamentarians to ensure vocationally trained counsellors remain central to Australia’s mental health response.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
VMHPAA
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