Dear Members
As my term ends I would like share what the last few years has meant for the APS, for me as President, as a member, and as a psychologist.
We have experienced two extraordinary years of evolution and impact for the APS across Australia. Throughout that time, our members have continued to put themselves forward to support Australian people, communities and organisations far and wide, many of whom have experienced some of their darkest days in recent times.
We know that natural disasters, the increasing cost of living, and the ongoing effects of the pandemic continue to take a toll on our clients and patients – and also on us. We deserve to take a moment to reflect on our amazing commitment to them, and the ways in which we, within our APS community, have supported each other.
The APS is the trusted voice representing psychology – by far the most widely represented and recognised psychology name in the media, government and across the sector. We are now known for our practical and evidence-based solutions, and our helpful, constructive, and expert advice.
Over the past two years, we have been seen and heard nationwide, at all levels of the community and the government, on an ever-growing range of issues, at a time in history when our voice matters more than ever before.
Some of our big advocacy wins over the past two years have included:
- the temporary doubling of Medicare-funded psychology sessions under Better Access in 2021 (something the APS continues to advocate for as a permanent feature of Medicare)
- the extension of telehealth sessions to the end of 2021 and then beyond
- MBS items for older Australians
- the reversal of NDIS independent assessments
- recognition of the role of parents and carers through Medicare
- the doubling of child assessment items
- and record spending on mental health in the Federal and some State Budgets.
The role of psychologists in our mental health care systems, from private to public and every model in between, has been made stronger, and our reach broader, over these past two years.
Guided by our commitment to social impact, we have also continued to raise awareness about the need to improve access and affordability in psychology, and to see the reach and application of psychological science make a difference for all Australians. We’ve also been pushing our advocacy on broader issues such as child and family, disability, and the need for psychologists in schools.
Our voice has been heard loud and clear on a range of issues like:
- the need to boost the psychology workforce
- the threats posed by underfunding of our postgraduate training courses
- the need to permanently double the number of Medicare sessions available to Australians
- the impacts of COVID-19 and lockdowns
- important global issues like climate change, international conflict and civil unrest and stamping out racism.
The APS made a commitment at the start of my term to digitally transform how we do things, and we have been consistently delivering on that commitment. From webinars to practice guidelines, from peer supervision and networking events to conferences and corporate benefits, the APS has supported its members.
We’ve progressed toward important goals, with our eyes still on the horizon of even better things for psychology ahead. We are working toward a future where psychology is recognised as integral to the mental health of Australians – just as medicine is to physical health.
It has been an honour to serve as president of the APS during what has been the biggest period of change and progress we have had in our 60 year history. It has also been an honour to serve as the youngest female President in our history, and I am delighted to see many more female leaders emerging at APS and across the profession in recent times.
I have been amazed and inspired by the incredible dedication and contribution APS members make to our valued profession and discipline. I extend my sincere gratitude to the hundreds of member volunteers who dedicate their time to the success of the APS through our branches, colleges, interest groups and committees. The support of the Board of Directors has been so valuable to me and I am so grateful to you all.
Finally, I express my sincere thanks to all APS members, CEO Dr Zena Burgess and her executive management team, and all APS staff, for your unwavering dedication to our profession and your support to me.
On a personal note, while I’m proud of what the APS has achieved and will continue to achieve on a national stage, my greatest delight as President has come from individual messages of support and interactions with members who are just as passionate about psychology as I am. The APS is strong and steady, but we are also a community – an amazing group of warm, engaged, ethical and professional people doing difficult work very well, and finding strength and support with our colleagues and peers through our conferences, peer support groups, member group meetings, CPD events and networking activities. We are stronger, and more resilient, together, and I think we should all be proud of that. It has been an honour, and a privilege to serve as APS President, and I thank the Society for entrusting me in that role.
I look forward to handing over to Dr Catriona Davis McCabe who I am delighted will be following me as your next APS President.
Tamara Cavenett FAPS GAICD
President