13 October 2025
The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) is proud to celebrate the formal endorsement of the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists in Australia by the Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing.
This historic milestone unifies the counselling profession under a single, nationally approved framework, providing clarity, consistency, and recognition across qualifications and practice. For ACA members, this moment reflects the strength of our collective advocacy and the vital role counsellors play in supporting communities across Australia.
But what do the National Standards mean for you as a practitioner or student? To make the Standards accessible and meaningful for all members, ACA has developed a suite of resources designed to inform, clarify, and answer your questions.
Resources to Support Members
Opportunities to Connect with ACA
We understand that may want to ask questions, seek clarification, or simply discuss what these changes mean in practice. ACA is hosting ten Zoom meetings to discuss the standards directly with you and answer your questions. Join one of these interactive sessions by registering to a time below.
Note all times listed below are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
- Tuesday, 14 October 10am
- Tuesday, 14 October 2pm
- Wednesday, 15 October 9am
- Wednesday, 15 October 1pm
- Thursday, 16 October 9am
- Thursday, 16 October 2pm
- Tuesday, 21 October 11.30am
- Tuesday, 21 October 2.30pm
- Wednesday, 22 October 10am
- Wednesday, 22 October 2pm
- Thursday, 23 October 10am
- Thursday, 23 October 1pm
ACA student members, don’t forget ACA Student Engagement Officer, Karen, is available for one-on-one discussion about pathways from study to practice under the new Standards. Book a time to chat to Karen.
Further resources will be available on implementation of the National Standards.
#ACAUpdate
#NationalStandards