After waiting almost 12 months, VPA representatives finally met with the VHIA and the Mental Health Branch of the Department of Health about this issue this week. It was agreed that the VHIA would undertake research into current models of private practice rights in a sample of metropolitan and regional health services.

It was also agreed that as the issue of private practice rights for psychologists in public health services applies more broadly than just in mental health services funded by the mental health branch of the Department of Health that the composition of the working group looking at the issue needs to be broadened.

The process of negotiation has been frustrating and drawn out: we hope that we may have some momentum being generated now.