News

Several new regulatory changes took effect on July 1, 2026. The most significant are listed in the full article

As part of our 50th birthday celebrations we have been asking ASORC members to reflect on their experiences. This newsletter we are delighted to bring you a reflection from Karishma Chandiramini.

With more than a decade of experience in occupational rehabilitation, this Senior Rehabilitation Consultant shares her journey into rehabilitation counselling, the rewards of helping people rebuild their lives, and why authentic human connection remains at the heart of effective practice.

In this Professional Spotlight, we talk to new ASORC Director Peta Siggers. Growing up in an Army family and later serving nearly 15 years as an ADF Medic, this month’s featured member brings a wealth of lived experience to Rehabilitation Counselling.

In this Professional Spotlight, we talk to ASORC student member Lauren Bowden who is nearing completion of a Master of Rehabilitation Counselling after 17 years working in employer-based injury management. With extensive experience across the private and public sectors, Lauren shares insights into balancing study with work, the rewards of rehabilitation counselling, and how the profession is evolving.

WorkCover Queensland has completed their annual update of the Allied Health Services Table of Costs for the 2025-2026 financial year. The updated fees are effective from 1 August 2025.

The Tasmanian Minister for Health has recently launched a Discussion Paper inviting all Tasmanians to contribute to the development of a new 20-Year Preventive Health Strategy.

Liz Radcliff has a career spanning the injury management sector. Having completed her Master of Rehabilitation counselling degree with Griffith University, Liz has worked with the Queensland Department of Education and Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, and most recently with the Department of Justice Tasmania.

Loneliness is a critical issue and is recognised as a public health priority for many countries around the world. However, despite being highly prevalent, loneliness isn’t widely understood or spoken about in Australia.

The NDIA is committed to protecting all NDIS participants' safety and the integrity of the NDIA. Through the Fraud Fusion Taskforce, the NDIS is working closely with the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, AFP, and ATO. The Taskforce has 19 Commonwealth Agencies working together to find and stop fraud and serious organised crime in the NDIS.  

Dr Coralie Wales OAM has a career spanning from insurance to primary health. She has been a business owner, as well as the founder of Chronic Pain Australia, she completed her PhD in 2011, raised a family and has been a driving force in the therapeutic relationship for healing in public and community health. Dr Wales received an Order of Australia Medal for this service in 2023.

On Wednesday 15 May, ASORC hosted its annual Rehabilitation Counsellors Virtual Conference, where more than 180 guests heard from 16 presenters over eight hours. Click through to read the full report.

The Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) NSW has released Vocational Intervention Program (VIP) Toolkits. The VIP supports achievements of vocational outcomes for people with acquired brain injury.

The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has released the Young Person Comprehensive Health Assessment Program (CHAP) for people aged 12-18 with intellectual disability.

SVA is seeking expressions of interest from organisations to participate in a cutting- edge Employer Innovation Lab. We're inviting 10 leading employers to this fully philanthropically funded project where they'll receive the information, tools and resourcing required to design and implement a youth focused employment and retention pilot.