Around 40 psychologists – mostly VPA members- met at the Alfred on 31 July 2007 at a forum to discuss the potential impact on public health services of the Medicare rebate for services provided by private psychologist practitioners.

The forum was addressed by David Stokes from the APS, Dr Rosemary Kelly from the VPA and Dr Warrick Brewer, from Orygen Youth Health (Warrick is a member of the VPA Committee). Discussion centred on the potential adverse impact on public psychology services of the introduction of the Rebate…

Although the emphasis was on mental health services, it was acknowledged that acute, subacute and community health services will also be affected. Warrick prepared a summary of the points which were discussed. This can be accessed on the website, together with the presentation by Rosemary Kelly.

The ‘conversation’ continues – with the same three speakers – at the VPA PD Seminar after the AGM on Thursday 11 October 2007 at RMH (details on website).  The theme of the PD Seminar is Reshaping and recognising the specialist role of psychologists in public mental health services in Victoria.