Why is there a disparity in remuneration between the majority of Australian psychologists compared to the minority of clinical psychologists ?

I have been thinking about the disparity in remuneration between the larger group of  Australian psychologists
compared to the minority of those who identify as clinical psychologists

If all Australian psychologists not just those who identify as clinical psychologists
- see the same clients
- both do diagnoses
 
Why can't the fee schedule relate to 💥the type of appointment 💥
&
NOT the type of psychologist 

 So if all Australian psychologists do a diagnosis appointment /report/letters

THEN they all get paid the SAME rate
 e.g. Medicare 80010        $124.50
        NDIS                             $210 - $220
 
 And if all Australian psychologists do a standard appointment /report/letters 

THEN they all get paid the SAME rate
 e.g. Medicare 80110          $84.80
        NDIS                               $160 - $170

 (NDIS = National Disability Insurance Scheme)

N.B. The $ mentioned above are just hypothetical for illustration NOT a recommendation

In May 2006 when the Better Access initiative was being drafted by the Australian Psychological Society (APS),
they stated  (APS quote) "anything below $107.70 per session is palpably unjust"
Also there is just one rebate for psychology which  (APS quote) "should be no less than $130 per 50 - 60 minute session" 

However as a Psychologist who does not identify as Clinical, the Medicare rebate I receive for a 50 minute session  is $84.80.  A psychologist who identifies as a Clinical Psychologist receives $124.50.

This disparity exists despite the fact that all  Australian psychologists both do the same job.
A disparity similar to the gender pay inequity.
A disparity contrary to the APS' own original statements.

This is a debate that is getting stronger between the larger group of Australian psychologists & the smaller group who identify as clinical psychologists

It's about representation to Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) from Clinical psychologists who despite being the smaller group, have more members on the various committees and therefore more power
There has not been equitable advocacy for all Australian psychologists particularly those who do not identify as Clinical
This is continuing despite requests for redress 

This inequity is further compounded by the fact that the Medicare rebate has only been indexed once in the last 12 years.

The result being the disadvantaging of the larger group of Australian psychologists for all of that time

The disparity has escalated in the last year with Australian psychologists (who do not identify as Clinical) having their official letters & reports  no longer accepted by various Government & Private agencies

So the earning capacity of Australian Psychologists  (who do not identify as Clinical)  is being decimated

Young Psychologists are very concerned which has given rise to advocacy & protest groups for the first time ever

They are also leaving the APS & joining other emerging Professional Psychology groups

I think I have to diversify & also change my client base

I am currently exploring new avenues of practice

Louise Smith        PSYCHOLOGIST 

(Assoc MAPS) (QCT), B. A. (Hons) (Psych) (Japanese & Music), Dip. T. Prim. & Spec. Ed. (Hearing Impaired)

ICHP Foundation Certificate Course in Clinical Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy                                       2012
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Email: smith.louise@optusnet.com.au