VMHPAA Welcomes Support from Richard Welch MP on National Standards Concerns
- Shane Warren
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8 July 2025
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) is pleased to report that our Secretary Ms Susan Sandy VMVMHPAA, met today with Richard Welch MP to discuss the serious impacts of the proposed Draft National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists on private practices and community services.
During the meeting, VMHPAA’s Secretary outlined how the Draft Standards, if adopted in their current form, would:
Potentially displace more than 38,000 diploma-qualified counsellors across Australia,
Severely limit access to affordable, local “first responder” counselling services, particularly in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities,
Place further strain on an already overburdened mental health system, reducing placement opportunities for students in counselling, psychotherapy, and psychology,
Undermine existing programs in schools and community-based settings that rely on vocationally trained practitioners.
Mr Welch acknowledged the gravity of these concerns and committed to taking further action, including raising the matter with Shadow Health Minister Georgie Crozier MP and advocating for these issues to be considered by other relevant departments and decision-making bodies.
“We are heartened by Mr Welch’s willingness to listen and act,” said Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA. “This meeting reflects the growing recognition across Parliament that excluding vocationally trained counsellors from practice and supervision would have devastating consequences for communities, schools, and frontline mental health services. We welcome his support and ongoing advocacy.”
VMHPAA continues to advocate nationally to ensure the proposed National Standards are inclusive, equitable, and reflect the essential role of vocationally trained practitioners in providing timely, accessible, and effective mental health care for all Australians.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
VMHPAA
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