If you have problems viewing this email

Emergency National e-Bulletin

May 12 2010

Dear [FirstName],

Last night (Tuesday) I was called to a briefing with the Department of Health & Aging (DOHA) where I was informed that as of 1 July 2010, Medicare rebates will cease for new clients accessing social workers and occupational therapists under the Better Access to Mental Health Services Program.  

This appalling decision has been made without any prior consultation, discussion or input from the AASW or with members. The decision has been made before the review of the Program is complete and has no logical financial or health advantages.

The AASW is deeply concerned about the impact this will have on clients, Accredited Mental Health Social Workers (AMHSWs) and the profession as a whole.

We are taking urgent action to lobby the Government to rethink this decision and we need your help now to convince them. Please read below to find out how to take action now.

Over 1,100 social workers are currently eligible to offer clients a Medicare rebate for mental health treatments, and in 2008-2009 they provided 121,540 occasions of service.
 

What the AASW is doing?

Immediate action taken by the AASW
While at the meeting with Department officials I clearly expressed my opposition to the decision. I pointed out the consequences of the decision for clients, especially those living in outer metropolitan, rural, regional and remote areas. I made it clear that members would be unfairly disadvantaged, given the resources they have used in gaining accreditation and providing the service. I questioned the rationale for the decision. The only one provided was to redirect the money into the ATAPS program. I noted the incongruousness of this rationale as our AMHSWs are only responsible for 4% of the cost in the Better Access program in terms of provision of focussed psychological services so the savings are minimal.

As we all know, this decision will mean accredited MH social workers will have their income severely reduced.

I have today issued a media release, with the support of Australian of the year Professor Pat McGorry, and also written to Nicola Roxon MP, the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing. Stephen Brand and I have written a letter to the Australian and have been in contact with a significant number of key players in the community. The national office professional staff have focussed all their attention on this today. We’ve also contacted other political parties and interest groups.

We have prepared material to assist members to lobby their local members and others.

Long term action
The AASW staff are working hard to build momentum on this, contacting mental health service providers and other likely allies. We do not accept that the decision cannot be overturned, but if we are to succeed we need your help in the coming days.

AASW What can you do to help?

  • Contact your local federal member of parliament – phone, make an appointment to meet or send a letter – click here to find out how to contact them. Please ask your local MP to take the matter up with the Federal Minister.

  •  

  • Here’s some points on a draft letter to get you started, but it is much more impactful for you to add your own words in your own voice.

  •  

  • Send a copy of your letter to the Minister for Health, Nicola Roxon.

  •  

  • If you are in private practice, speak with your clients. Some clients may be interested to contact their local member of parliament using the structure of the letter we’ve provided for members, or writing their own.

  •  

  • If you are in the not-for-profit sector, particularly if you are in mental health services, please take the matter up with your colleagues and bosses. I am already hearing from staff in a number of services who have convinced their CEO to write to Nicola Roxon asking her to overturn the decision, but we need a whole lot more support. Give them a copy of your letter, and ours, and ask them to contact me if they want to.

  •  

  • If you’re in Melbourne, why not contact Nicola Roxon’s electorate office and ask for an appointment, or just turn up to deliver your message or letter in person. Phone number and address listed here.

 

 Please let me know if you have other ideas to assist this critical campaign.

Kind regards
Kandie

Kandie Allen-Kelly
BSocWk MPhil MAASW (Acc)

Chief Executive Officer
Australian Association of Social Workers
P.O. Box 4956
Kingston ACT 2604
Tel: +61 2 6270 7203
Membership: 1800 630 124
ceo@aasw.asn.au
www.aasw.asn.au

 

© 2010 Australian Association of Social Workers | Unsubscribe