News & Updates
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.
NAPP response to the findings of the Inquest into the Bondi Junction Stabbings 2024
NAPP response to the findings of the Inquest into the Bondi Junction Stabbings 2024
NAPP Statement on Bondi Beach Shooting Tragedy
Australia has been jolted by the shocking news of the death and injury of many people in a senseless mass shooting aimed at the Jewish community yesterday evening at Bondi Beach.
Medical Board of Australia withdraws its proposal to force medical examinations on doctors age 70 and over
12 December 2025: The following comments were sent to the Medical Board of Australia chair Dr Susan O’Dwyer a few weeks ago. Subsequently, we note the Medical Board of Australia has withdrawn its proposal to mandate physical and cognitive tests of older doctors over age 70.
NAPP response to RANZCP statement on the New Zealand government ban on puberty blockers for young patients with gender identity distress.
NAPP response to RANZCP statement on the New Zealand government ban on puberty blockers for young patients with gender identity distress.
The RANZCP put out a statement on the NZ ban on puberty blockers.
NAPP Newsletter November 2025
Dear Colleagues, At our AGM last year, I outlined our plans for 2025. It is appropriate now to reflect on what has been achieved over the past year and to consider our direction for 2026. In 2025 we delivered the professional development program that we proposed. We...
The National Association of Practising Psychiatrists has developed a statement on National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.
The current National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards (2nd edition) provide a critical framework for patient safety and quality improvement. However, they do not explicitly address the urgent and escalating risks of psychological harm, trauma, and moral injury within healthcare settings — risks that affect both patients and healthcare professionals.
MBS psychiatry inpatient Telehealth – NAPP recommendation
the National Association of practising psychiatrists has taken the viewpoints of our members, particularly those who look after private psychiatric hospital inpatients. We addressed with them the experience that they have had with the Telehealth items for private hospital inpatients (92478, 92479, 92480, 92481, 92482 and 92483 – see below) and whether they should continue or be modified.
Prescribing of stimulant medications for ADHD by general practitioners
Several state governments are liberalising the prescription of stimulant medications for attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) disorder in children and adults. Most states have a restriction that the medications can only be instituted by paediatricians or psychiatrists at the moment. Because this is causing significant limitations in the availability of these medications, state governments are proposing to make it possible for general practitioners to initiate and continue to prescribe stimulant medication for this condition.
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