Page 2061 - Week 06 - Thursday, 9 June 2022
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(11) The Directorate does not employ School Counsellors in ACT Public Schools.
(12) The reasons to see a school psychologist varies across schools and settings. Obtaining common reasons for referral risks generalising the range of issues supported through psychology services.
(13) A psychologist is legally required to be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) which operates under the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA). For further information refer to https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/
To register and maintain registration psychologists must:
• Have their formal, accredited qualifications assessed by AHPRA
• Adhere to the APS Code of Ethics - professional conduct
• Meet Continuing Professional Development requirements (CPD)
• Be available for a formal audit process of their CPD and professional practice
ACT Education has a highly qualified and experienced workforce with many psychologists holding either a Master or Doctorate qualification.
(14) An internal review of the ACT Education School Psychology Service (SPS) was undertaken in 2018. The review coincided with the government commitment of 20 additional psychologists in schools.
The Minister was briefed in December 2018 and approved the revised model of service which commenced in 2019.
(15) This table provides the costs of the School Psychology Service over the past 5 years.
|
School Psychologist Program |
2017-18 Actual $’m |
2018-19 Actual $’m |
2019-20 Actual $’m |
2020-21 Actual $’m |
2021-22 Forecast $’m |
Total (5 Years) $’m |
|
Employee Expenses (including oncosts) |
8.08 |
8.65 |
9.47 |
10.23 |
10.49 |
46.92 |
|
Non-Employee Expenses |
0.36 |
0.51 |
0.49 |
0.45 |
0.52 |
2.33 |
|
Total Expenses |
8.45 |
9.15 |
9.95 |
10.68 |
11.01 |
49.25 |
The School Psychologist Program is estimated to have cost $49.25m for the five-years to 30 June 2022.
(16) A formal review of the school psychology service was undertaken in 2018. This led to changes in the service delivery model which was implemented from 2019. The school psychology service continually reviews its services and supports, making changes as required to meet current need. An example of this is the delivery of a telehealth service in response to COVID 19.
(17) The Education Directorate employees five Education Support Officers to coordinate the School Psychology Program:
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