04 November 2022
Senator Jacqui Lambie met with PACFA CEO Johanna de Wever and Immediate Past President Dr Di Stow in a constructive video conference in October. Senator Lambie discussed her enthusiasm for advocating to the Albanese Government for greater use of counsellors and psychotherapists to meet the growing need for mental health of Australians, especially veterans. Senator Lambie has campaigned to remove the stigma associated with mental illness in Australia and has publicly expressed her support for a Medicare rebate for counsellors.
Key points of discussion were the availability of Medicare rebates for counsellors and psychotherapists and the inclusion of psychotherapy and counselling services on the list of DVA White Card-funded services available to veterans.
PACFA CEO Johanne de Wever described the meeting as ‘fruitful,’ and a good opportunity to promote the organisation and the capability of our members to meet the growing mental health needs of Australians, including veterans.