The Psychology Board of Australia has released its public consultation report on proposed changes to psychology higher education pathways.
PsyBA says it will recommend that Government progress a five-year accredited program, or equivalent, to general registration.
While limited aspects of the proposal have changed, in many areas, the report provides clarification or reassurance rather than detail we sought to justify the recommendations, while other issues have been deferred to later design or implementation phases. Significant questions about both the model and its implementation therefore remain undefined.
In our submission, the APS supported reform to improve psychology education and training, including earlier integration of practical learning and a clearer pathway to registration.
However, we also called for further work on issues including:
- Competency assurance
- Research and scientist-practitioner training
- Supervision and placement capacity
- The future viability of all areas of practice endorsement
- Workforce distribution
- The proposed Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level
- Implementation feasibility.
Read our previous submission here.
Key developments following consultation are:
- Reflecting the APS position, PsyBA has recommended removing the proposed psychology assistant role from the current reform, acknowledging that further work is required to determine the need for the role and define its competencies and regulatory model.
- Consistent with concerns we raised, the report indicates that higher education providers would retain some flexibility through graduate-entry, bridging and recognition of prior learning arrangements, and states that higher education providers or TEQSA determine the AQF level of individual qualifications.
- PsyBA will recommend a separate two-year accredited postgraduate pathway, or equivalent, for Area of Practice Endorsement following general registration. It is also planning a broader review of AoPE competencies.
- Significant implementation work remains, including in relation to higher education funding and resourcing, supervision and placement capacity, employer readiness and transition arrangements for students.
What remains unclear
The APS welcomes the areas where consultation feedback is reflected in changes to the proposal.
However, while PsyBA has responded to many of the issues raised by the APS, we remain concerned that several of those responses do not yet provide the evidence or detail needed to resolve substantive questions raised in our submission, while other key issues have been deferred to later design or implementation work.
We remain particularly concerned about the future viability and supply of all areas of practice endorsement, including how smaller and less commercially viable endorsement pathways will be sustained through the proposed changes.
We are also mindful of the uncertainty these proposed changes create for current students and early career psychologists, including how existing study, training and progression will be recognised and protected during the transition.
The potential impacts of any change in qualification level on remuneration, pay equity, and career progression also require careful examination.
Working closely with the profession to develop a clear implementation timeline and detailed transition requirements will be crucial to ensuring students, psychologists, employers and education providers can plan with confidence.
What happens next
PsyBA will continue engaging stakeholders on interim recommendations and key implementation tasks before providing its final report to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
PsyBA will also hold webinars in early October to provide information about the consultation report, its proposed approach and next steps.
Members who would like to hear directly from the PsyBA are encouraged to attend.
The webinars will be held on Wednesday 7 October and Thursday 8 October. Register to attend here.
No final decision has been made on whether the proposed reforms will proceed. PsyBA will provide its final report and recommendations to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing for consideration at the conclusion of the project.
How members can strengthen our advocacy
As the leading body for psychology in Australia, the APS is well placed to bring together views from across the profession and ensure they are represented through the strongest-possible coordinated and collective voice as these reforms progress.
The APS will continue to engage with the PsyBA and other stakeholders, represent members and advocate for reforms that protect the quality of psychology education and training, public safety and the breadth and sustainability of the psychology profession.
Members can support and strengthen this advocacy by continuing to send their questions, concerns and feedback, including any that arise from next week’s PsyBA webinars, to our dedicated education review inbox: [email protected]
Read the PsyBA’s consultation report