Psychologists are being asked to do more in a system that has not kept pace with demand. People are waiting too long, psychologists are stretched, and too many people are missing out on psychology services.
We have put forward a set of strategic actions to bring about practical reforms to strengthen Australia’s mental health system and address key issues across Medicare, the NDIS, education, aged care, First Nations mental health, and support for young Australians, veterans, and those affected by domestic and family violence.
The APS is calling for:
- More access to psychology services through Medicare - Australians need more sessions to get timely and effective care.
- Better funding for mental health services - to reduce wait times, improve access and help people get support when they need it and where they need it.
- Protect access to psychology in the NDIS - people with disability must be able to access vital psychological support.
- Affordable and accessible mental health care for young Australians - including stronger evidence-based programs in schools.
- Investment in psychology workforce education and training - to address workforce shortages, especially in rural and remote areas.
- Better supports for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence (DFV) - including timely psychology services and a dedicated professional support network.
- Embedding psychologists in aged care - to improve wellbeing and quality of life for older Australians.
- Culturally safe mental health services for First Nations people - led by First Nations communities and First Nations psychologists.
- Improved mental health support for veterans and defence personnel - fully implement the Royal Commission’s recommendations and set fair fees for psychologists.
- Invest in psychological science and evidence-based policy - to advance community wellbeing and improve policy decisions.
Every priority is targeted, affordable and designed to make a real difference.
Every one of these initiatives is grounded in evidence, and each one delivers a real benefit — whether it’s faster, more affordable care for young people, safer support for DFV victim-survivors, or more sustainable services in communities where access is scarce.
More than one in five Australians experience a mental health condition in any given year, yet people cannot afford the evidence-based treatment they need, and psychologists in both public and private sectors are dealing with unmanageable caseloads and inadequate resourcing.
Our psychologists are embedded in every aspect of our community and need access to the resources and funding required to support Australians.
We need a system that supports psychologists to provide care and a system that ensures no one is left waiting when they need help.
The APS’ 2025 Election Statement is available for download.