Psychology Assistant Role Plan Dropped After Backlash

September 29, 2026 - 07:23

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has confirmed it will not move forward with a proposed psychology assistant workforce role, at least for the time being. The decision follows sustained criticism from mental health professionals and peak bodies who argued the plan risked lowering care standards.

The proposal was part of a wider set of changes to allied health training that had already drawn fire from clinicians and academics. Under the plan, psychology assistants would have taken on certain duties traditionally handled by fully qualified psychologists, a move supporters framed as a way to ease workforce shortages and cut wait times.

Opponents rejected that reasoning. They warned that splitting psychological care between registered practitioners and lesser-trained assistants could confuse patients and expose vulnerable people to inadequate treatment. Several professional groups also questioned whether the change was driven more by cost savings than by genuine concern for public safety.

AHPRA has not ruled out revisiting the concept later. For now, the agency says it will focus on other parts of the allied health reform package, which remain under consultation. Critics of the broader changes say they will keep pressing for transparency about how those decisions are made and who stands to benefit.