3 March 2026
The Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is currently consulting on potential regulatory models to support implementation of the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists.
Given the important role of counsellors and psychotherapists in upholding professional standards, quality and consumer safety, your feedback will help ensure the Department's work reflects the practical realities and priorities of those working in the field.
Add your voice to the conversation shaping the regulatory framework for national standards. Together, we have already demonstrated the strength of our collective voice: 33.7% engagement in National Standards (Phase 1), 56.1% in Phase 2 (including dual members), and one in five practising members contributing to the 2024 ACA Workforce Census, of which this data directly informed the development of the National Standards. We have shown that when we speak, we are heard. Now, let us once again come together to provide a strong, united response that will help shape the future of the counselling profession.
In early February, ACA CEO Jodie McKenzie met with Nous Group to discuss the various regulatory models that could be used to implement the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists in Australia. The paper issued represents three models that are being considered. We strongly encourage you all to share your thoughts as we continue on our path of advancing and strengthening the counselling profession in Australia.
The regulatory models under consideration are:
- Voluntary regulation, where professionals meet standards or other requirements on their own volition, rather than relying on some external force. This includes circumstances where peak bodies set conditions for their own member base that are designed to uphold the quality and safety of services and protect the reputation of the professional title. Note that voluntary regulation is what is currently used in Australia for counsellors and psychotherapists.
- Contract-based regulation, where standards, rules and other expectations are included as conditions of a funding agreement or other contractual arrangement. This can include cases where professionals are only eligible for funding if they maintain membership with reputable industry peak bodies, who then set and enforce requirements among their members; and
- Statutory regulation, where regulatory schemes have a basis in legislation and formal registration is often a requirement for market entry. Institutional arrangements for such schemes can vary; in some models, schemes are delivered exclusively by government agents. In others, co-regulatory arrangements can be established where an industry body has a key role, such as by managing the registration process.
The survey is being administered by Nous Group on behalf of the Department. Participation is voluntary, responses are anonymous, and findings will be reported in aggregate only. The survey should take approximately 10–12 minutes to complete. Please note that most questions are optional and you are welcome to provide input on the areas most relevant to you.
The survey closes on 20 March 2026.
We encourage you to have your say and contribute to shaping the future of the profession.
Complete Survey
ACA is hosting three information sessions to support your understanding of the proposed report of regulatory models before you complete the survey. These sessions are free and exclusive to all ACA members. Register to your preferred session below:
Monday 9 March 2026 2:00PM AEST
Friday 13 March 2026 11:00AM AEST
Tuesday 17 March 2026 9:00AM AEST
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