APAC Alignment Accreditation Standards Review: Public Consultation Round 2

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) Alignment Accreditation Standards Review: Consultation Paper – Round 2. In addition to the points addressing the specific consultation questions and commenting on the proposed changes to the criteria, we note the following messages:

• Overall, the proposed updates represent a positive step in aligning competencies with contemporary practice and the Psychology Board of Australia’s updated Professional Competencies and Code of Conduct.
• We are concerned at the removal of the reference to psychology being a science-based discipline. 
• Taken together, the changes represent a greater emphasis on psychology practice in clinical settings particularly in Levels 1 and 2.
• The current proposed criteria appear to be rigid regarding interventions and assessment, with the focus being largely on therapeutic interventions at an individual level, rather than the full spectrum of what an intervention can look like across the discipline of psychology. 
• In addition, the volume of new competencies risks adding an increased burden on HEPs to demonstrate their program(s) have met the Standards. 
• We commend the greater inclusion and consideration of First Nations ways of being and doing and the extension of cultural safety is very important. Practically, however, we are concerned that this will place a large burden on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, and relevant organisations to provide input, opportunities, and advice. 

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