In October PACFA President Dr Di Stow met with Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, who expressed support for our proposal that during this public health emergency a temporary program be established which supports GPs to refer patients to counsellors/psychotherapists as well as psychologists.
Following the meeting, Mr Wilkie wrote to Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt to express his support for a temporary Medicare item number for counsellors and psychotherapists to support the community’s mental health during the Covid pandemic. This followed a similar endorsement letter to the Health Minister from Senator Eric Abetz after a meeting with Di in September.
Di also featured on ABC Hobart's Leon Compton radio program on Monday 25 October, sharing seven ways of becoming more honest with yourself, especially around one’s role in conflict.
In October 2021 PACFA CEO Johanna de Wever met with Emma McBride MP, the Shadow Minister for Mental Health, as well as with Mental Health Professionals Network, Mental Health Victoria, Eating Disorders Victoria, Allied Health Professionals Australia and other stakeholders.