APS response to the Ahpra Review of accreditation arrangements to prepare for 2024–2029 cycle

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) was pleased to provide responses to the Ahpra Review of accreditation arrangements to prepare for 2024–2029 cycle. Throughout this response, the APS only commented on behalf of one profession (psychology) and comments regarding the psychology accreditation authority, Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) provided by our members. Given the unique competencies relevant to our discipline, and, therefore, the need for specific evidence-based training, it is essential that our accreditation authority is specific to psychology and includes both academic and practitioner representation.

Overall, the APS supported the proposed priorities and considers them appropriate for their intended purpose.  In particular, we provided feedback on the following three proposed areas:  

1. Embedding cultural safety in education and practice, and improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples - The impact of colonisation and the need for deep recognition of the intergenerational trauma and ongoing disenfranchisement that has been created in Australian society means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a unique experience which must be acknowledged. It is critically important that the voice of First Nations peoples be included in the accreditation process. 
2. Eliminating racism in healthcare – the APS strongly endorses this sentiment and it is consistent with our previous advocacy and policy work. 
3. Ensuring education providers have systems in place to enhance learning outcomes by supporting student wellbeing – we strongly endorse this priority because psychology, as a discipline, appreciates the importance of wellbeing as underpinning a wide variety of educational outcomes.  

We acknowledged, however, that there are additional areas of focus which should be considered including an evidence-based lifespan approach to health that consideres known social and evironmental determinants of health. 

View submission