We are still waiting for the VHIA to respond to our proposed classification structure for dietitians employed in public hospitals and community health services. We provided the DHS and the VHIA with the draft structure in early April. We have also provided the DHS and the VHIA with proposed structures for psychologists and audiologists. The proposed psychologists’ structure introduced a Grade V psychologist classification. The definition which is proposed is as follows:

A substantially experienced senior Psychologist (with more than 10 years experience), with highly developed leadership skills, extensive postgraduate, professional experience and established professional specialisation (e.g., member of one, or more, of the Colleges of the Australian Psychological Society), and/or an established management qualification with significant professional leadership experience.

A Psychologist Grade V heads either a regional or broader professional group, with experience in the delivery of complex psychological services and/or a recognised leader in a specialist field of psychology, with significant contributions to the body of psychological knowledge and professional practice, and/or the development and education of psychologists within the field. A recognised expert in one or more of the following fields of professional practice/teaching/research/administration or policy/planning.

The proposed audiologist structure involves the creation of a Grade 4 audiologist position across health services. At present the Royal Children’s Hospital is the only service with a Grade 4 audiologist classification. The insertion of a Grade 4 classification will require consequential adjustments to the definition of a Grade 3 audiologist.