Further to the information in Stat 754, VPA members should note that membership of an APS College is no longer relevant to specialist endorsement by the Psychology Board of Australia, and applications for endorsement need to be made directly to the Board.

There seems to be some confusion among VPA members regarding the need to be a member of the APS. We advise members that there is no requirement to be a member of the APS to obtain and/or retain specialist endorsement. Further, psychologists do not have to be a member of the APS to obtain professional indemnity insurance at competitive rates. The VPA recommends the IH Group, which offers PI insurance at lower cost than AON offers to APS members. VPA - Professional Indemnity Insurance

What about representation regarding employment matters? The VPA is the specialist Union for psychologists employed in Victoria. The VPA negotiates terms and conditions of employment for psychologists employed in public health services, including mental health, acute health, rehabilitation services, aged care and community health, in the public sector, the private sector and the community sector.

In addition the VPA (like the MSAV and the AHP) provides professional and confidential representation to individual members in employment-related matters. This includes underpayments, bullying, disciplinary matters and advice and assistance on workers compensation issues.

We note that the APS claims that it can assist members with workplace issues. This is not just incorrect, it is highly misleading. The APS is not a registered trade union and is not recognised under any award or enterprise agreement. It is the VPA which negotiates and enforces your terms and conditions of employment. The best way for employed psychologists to protect their most valuable asset – their job- is to belong to the VPA. A strong Union means a strong voice in negotiations.

We understand that for financial reasons some members may face a choice between belonging to the VPA or the APS. We believe that interests of psychologists who are in employment are better served by being a member of the VPA. MSAV + VPA + AHP - Benefits of Membership Remember membership fees are tax deductible.