Psychologists board
In this section:
The ACT Psychologists Board of the Australian Capital Territory (the Board) is established by section 24 of the Health Professionals Act 2004 (the Act). It is a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal, which has its powers prescribed by the Act.
The Psychologists Board is comprised of nine members. The ACT Minister for Health appoints the President and four other members, plus two community representatives (one of whom must have legal qualifications) ,in accordance with section 5 of the Health Professions Boards (Procedures) Act 1981. The profession elects two members.
Board functions
The Board is responsible for administering the provision of the Health Professionals Act 2004 (the Act). The Board registers suitably qualified psychologists to enable them to practice in the ACT. The Board in joint consideration with the Human Rights Commmison is also responsible for the consideration of complaints against registered psychologists and general monitoring of the conduct of the profession in the ACT.
Section 33 of the Act empowers the Board to take disciplinary action against psychologists who may be in breach of certain provisions of the Act. The Act requires that the Board hold a formal Inquiry in accordance with the Health Professions Boards (Procedures) Act 1981 (Procedures Act) before imposing any disciplinary measures, such as: cautioning or reprimanding the psychologist, suspension or cancellation of registration, ordering that the practitioner undergo medical or psychiatric treatment or counselling, or imposing conditions on the registration of the psychologist as considered appropriate by the Board.
Aims
The main aim of the Board is to protect the public from the activities of unqualified and unscrupulous persons through registration of suitably qualified psychologists, and the monitoring of the best practice standards and conduct of the profession. In addition, the Board is responsible to ensure that the provisions of the Act are administered in a fair and equitable manner without bias to concerned individuals.
The Psychologists Board is committed to the improvement and development of customer service, and aims to continue to provide relevant, accurate, and timely advice and assistance to the public and practitioners on matters relevant to the profession. The Board aims to raise the profile of the Board and increase awareness among the public and profession of the Board's roles and responsibilities.
Board membership
Mr Ross White- Deputy President - Appointed
Dr Pam Connor - Member - Elected
Ms Raelene Farrell - Member - Elected
Ms Wendy Preston - Member - Appointed
Ms Vickie de Prazer - Member - Appointed
Dr Christian Torres - Member - Appointed
Associated Professor Tim Carey - Member - Co-opted
Ms Margaret Wolf - Community Representative -Appointed
Mr Ebenezer Banful - Community Representative - Appointed
Secretariat
Mr Alan Skelton - Executive Officer
Ms Kathleen Taylor - Registrar
The Board’s term of office is for four years.
Board meetings
The Board meets on the first Tuesday of every month except for the month of January.
