Our Position on the Draft National Standards
Certified Practising Counsellors Australia (CPCA) is committed to promoting fair, inclusive, and evidence-informed national standards that reflect the diverse range of pathways into the counselling profession. We welcome the move toward greater professional clarity and consistency. However, we are deeply concerned by aspects of the current Draft National Standards that may marginalise vocationally trained counsellors and undermine access to essential mental health services in regional, rural, and underserved communities.
The proposed draft limits the eligibility for private practice and clinical supervision roles to those with higher education degrees, effectively sidelining qualified and experienced practitioners who hold Diploma-level qualifications. While these drafts do not overtly “ban” diploma-trained counsellors, the functional outcome of such limitations is a narrowing of access to the profession and a devaluation of VET pathways.
We believe that:
- Counselling standards should recognise both academic and vocational training routes.
- Scope of practice should be defined by competency, supervision, and ongoing professional development — not just academic level.
- Any reform must protect client choice, accessibility, and diversity of therapeutic approaches.
What We’re Advocating For
- Recognition of Diploma and Advanced Diploma-trained counsellors as vital contributors to Australia’s mental health system.
- A tiered framework for scope of practice based on qualifications, experience, supervision, and ongoing training.
- Collaborative policy-making that values the lived realities of regional and community-based practitioners.
- Transparent consultation processes that avoid elitism and reflect the full counselling workforce.
Partners in Advocacy
We stand together with a network of like-minded organisations advocating for national standards that are equitable, accessible, and reflective of the full diversity of Australia’s counselling workforce. We welcome other stakeholders who share our vision to join the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it true that diploma-qualified counsellors can continue working in private practice under the Draft Standards?
A: No. Under the proposed Draft Standards, this is not true. Standard 1.3 (Private Practice) clearly states that “Foundational practitioners,” which includes those with diploma-level qualifications, have no ability to work in private practice. This is effectively an outright ban on private practice for diploma-qualified counsellors.
Q: What is meant by a “Foundational Practitioner” in the Draft Standards?
A: A Foundational Practitioner refers to a counsellor who has completed a diploma-level qualification and has lower client hours or limited clinical experience. Under the Draft Standards, this category is explicitly restricted from entering or continuing in private practice.
Q: Aren’t these just recommendations? Isn’t it misleading to call it a ban?
A: A Foundational Practitioner refers to a counsellor who has completed a diploma-level qualification and has lower client hours or limited clinical experience. Under the Draft Standards, this category is explicitly restricted from entering or continuing in private practice.
Q: What about clinical supervision? Can diploma-qualified or foundational practitioners provide it?
A: A Foundational Practitioner refers to a counsellor who has completed a diploma-level qualification and has lower client hours or limited clinical experience. Under the Draft Standards, this category is explicitly restricted from entering or continuing in private practice.
Q: What can I do if I’m concerned about these proposed changes?
A: You can:
- If you’re a CPCA Member, log in and join the member discussion.
- Share your perspective on our article page: Read & comment
- Send a letter to your local Federal MP or State Senators using templates provided by VMHPAA: Download templates
Q: Are vocationally trained counsellors being excluded from private practice under the draft standards?
A: While the draft does not explicitly ban Diploma-level counsellors, it proposes restricting private practice and clinical supervision to those with higher education degrees. This would significantly reduce the role and recognition of VET-trained professionals, many of whom already provide vital support in underserved communities.
Q: Isn’t this about ensuring higher quality care by raising the standard of qualifications?
A: Quality of care is essential. However, academic qualification alone does not guarantee better outcomes. Competency, supervision, ethics, and lived experience are also crucial. We advocate for a balanced approach that assesses readiness for private practice based on a broader range of factors, not just formal education level.
Q: Isn’t a Diploma considered an “entry-level” qualification?
A: According to the AQF, Diplomas are foundational qualifications. But in the current workforce, many Diploma-trained counsellors have extensive experience and offer safe, ethical, and effective care. The draft standards risk erasing this reality and limiting career progression unfairly.
Q: Does CPCA believe new Diploma graduates should go straight into private practice?
A: We believe readiness for private practice should be determined case-by-case, based on supervision, client readiness, and competency assessments. Many new graduates benefit from supported entry into the field — but categorical restrictions based solely on qualification level are not the answer.
Q: Is CPCA spreading misinformation or ignoring the draft’s details?
A: We encourage everyone to read the draft carefully and consider its implications beyond what is explicitly written. Our concerns are based on the functional impact of the proposals, especially on accessibility and workforce diversity. Our goal is transparency, inclusion, and public accountability.
Q: Who is behind CPCA and what are your interests?
A: CPCA is a profit for purpose professional body committed to representing certified practising counsellors across Australia. Our interests lie in promoting access to quality counselling services, supporting practitioners from all training backgrounds, and ensuring equity in professional recognition.
Updates and Resources
Stay informed and get involved through the following resources:
- Submit Your Feedback – Help shape our collective response.
- Read CPCA Blog 🔗: Why Australia’s Counselling Standards Must Remain Inclusive (July 2025)
- VMHPAA National Standards Page: https://www.vmhpaa.org.au/national-standards