News & Updates
Bondi Junction Stabbing Coroner’s Report
It was encouraging to see the NSW government accept the 13 recommendations from the coroner. But it did not commit to implementing tow of the most important recommendations. These related to providing short-term accommodation and long-term accommodation with attached clinical and rehabilitation support for acutely and chronically mentally ill patients. This reluctance to provide long-term accommodation for these very disadvantaged patients is disappointing.
Managing Gender Dysphoria in Young People – The National Association of Practising Psychiatrists Guide
Gender dysphoria/incongruence in young people is a contested area of medical practice. The National Association of Practising Psychiatrists (NAPP) Guide avoids political, social, religious and ideological positions.
National guidelines on puberty blockers coming as fraught debate continues
Reflecting on the awkwardness of early adolescence is uncomfortable for many, but for 16-year-old trans girl Kassie it has been particularly challenging.
For Kassie, the prospect of puberty — and the aspects of male development that would come with it — was incredibly distressing.
Medicare Mental Health Check In: Stakeholder Summary
Background The Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released a Stakeholder Information Kit for health professionals about Medicare Mental Health Check In — a new free, confidential online service launched in June 2026.
Freedom of Speech for Doctors
The National Association of Practising Psychiatrists advocates strongly for the right of our medical colleagues to speak without fear or favour on topics of medical importance.  We stand up for colleagues who, in good faith, offer comments and debate about...
Dental Health and Mental Health: Reflections from the NAPP Webinar
I recently attended the NAPP webinar Dental Health × Mental Health, presented by Dr Ava Carter, Australia’s only dual-qualified dental surgeon and psychiatrist. It was an exceptionally insightful and practical session that deepened my understanding of the powerful...
New NAPP Webinar. Evening April 14, 2026. Medical gender reassigment in minors. Why are we cautiious in Finland?
Prof Kaltiala is the chief psychiatrist of the gender identity services for young people in Finland. Her experience in the care of individuals with gender identity concerns and gender dysphoria is unsurpassed. She was recently scheduled to speak at a RACGP webinar on this topic but that event was unexpectedly cancelled. She has graciously agreed to give a similar presentation for NAPP. This is a ’not to miss’ event!
Victorian Law Reform Commission Submission to Review of change or suppression practices ban
In our view, clinicians, both child and adolescent psychiatrists, paediatricians, general practitioners and psychologists have been intimidated by this legislation. These clinicians would like to provide care to young people with gender questioning, gender dysphoria and gender incongruence issues but because of the legislation they are fearful of being called ‘conversion therapists’.
National Association of Practising Psychiatrists Response to Consultation Paper: Modernising Referral Pathways
National Association of Practising Psychiatrists Response to Consultation Paper: Modernising Referral Pathways.
These are NAPP’s recommendations on how the referral system could be improved while supporting patient autonomy, continuity of care, and effective communication between clinicians.
NAPP Submission to ‘Modernising Gap-only billing – replacing Medicare cheques with electronic benefit payments’
The National Association of Psychiatrists (NAPP) is concerned about the Australian Government’s decision to cease Medicare cheque payments under the Pay Doctor Via Claimant (PDVC) arrangement. While NAPP supports the transition to electronic claiming and payment systems, it is seeking further consultation and revision of key aspects of the plan.
Supporters
