With change comes opportunity

As I write this message, a new federal government is being formed. With this change – which some commentators are flagging as one of the most significant political realignments in decades – comes opportunity to further develop and improve the mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Australians.

Across our APS policy and social impact work we are involved in discussions with policymakers and leaders across all sides of politics. Through this important work, the science of psychology, the practice and the real-world experience of psychologists can continue to help influence decision-making. We appear at royal commissions, taskforces, round-table discussions and panels into specific issues where psychology intersects with Australians’ lives. Our ever-growing media presence gives voice to the profession, ensuring everyday Australians are aware of the value of psychology and the issues that impact mental health.

So much of this work is guided by you. You tell us what’s important to you and psychology. We periodically ask you through surveys, member groups discussions and working groups. We use this information to inform and shape the conversation with government.

In this first fully digital issue of InPsych, you will find the outcomes of some of that feedback in our piece Unpaid, underfunded and overworked: Building the case for change. We already knew that psychologists were struggling to meet demand due to the colliding forces of the pandemic, natural disasters and a mental health system under incredible strain. The 1456 members who updated us on this in February via our survey cemented the fact that there is dire need for more psychological support for Australians.

We took this feedback, along with our long-held advocacy areas, to shape our Federal Election statement, which you can also find in this issue. It highlights 10 policy actions that cover workforce issues, support for young Australians, increasing access to psychological support, and the need for disaster readiness and response. This statement and the policy actions within it live beyond the election. These are critical actions which must implemented by the 47th Parliament of Australia to give Australians practical and outcome-focused support.

Your ongoing membership of the APS is an important way to be a part of change – to be supported in the work you do, and to inform our work in shaping policy and conversation at the national level. We will continue to turn to you for your views and we will continue to work every day to see that bold improvements are made. It is our role, our responsibility and our purpose.