Understanding the 2025 Code of Conduct for Psychologists
On 1 December 2025, Australia's first regulatory Code of Conduct for psychologists comes into effect, replacing the APS Code of Ethics that has guided the profession since 2007. This represents the most significant regulatory change for Australian psychologists in 15 years.
The new Code shifts from principles-based ethical guidance to prescriptive, enforceable standards under AHPRA — meaning specific obligations now carry regulatory weight. Key changes include mandatory cultural safety requirements for First Nations practice, enhanced informed consent as an ongoing process, new physical contact protocols, and expanded supervisor accountability.
The infographic below summarises the major changes and provides a practical compliance checklist to help you prepare before the 1 December deadline. There is no grace period, so now is the time to review your documentation and practice systems.
Psychology Board of Australia
New Code of Conduct for Psychologists
Australia's First Regulatory Code — Implementation Guide
Fundamental Shift in Regulation
From principles-based ethical guidance (APS Code 2007) to prescriptive regulatory standards with enforceable, legally admissible obligations under AHPRA.
Key Changes at a Glance
Cultural Safety
Mandatory enforceable standard for First Nations practice — entirely new Principle 2
Informed Consent
Transformed from form-signing to ongoing documented dialogue with regular reviews
Physical Contact
Written consent and consultation with experienced practitioner now required
Supervisor Liability
Potential responsibility for supervisee conduct if supervision standards not met
Open Disclosure
New duty to acknowledge and address harm when services cause client harm
Documentation
Enhanced record-keeping with specific standards, retention periods, and audit trails
Compliance Timeline
- Aug 2024 Professional Competencies released
- Nov 2024 Advance copy of Code published
- 30 Nov 2025 Registration renewal deadline
- 1 Dec 2025 Code takes full effect — NO GRACE PERIOD
Principle 2: Cultural Safety
NewAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety
Key Change
Cultural safety is now defined by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities — not by practitioners.
Psychologists must now:
- Recognise colonisation, systemic racism, and social/cultural factors impacting health
- Acknowledge and address individual racism, biases, assumptions and prejudices
- Provide services that are holistic, free of bias and racism
- Recognise self-determined decision-making driven by client/family/community
- Foster safe working environments supporting rights and dignity
Informed Consent
EnhancedTransformed from form-signing to ongoing documented dialogue
New Requirements:
- Revisit consent when time passes OR significant changes occur
- Inform clients of consent validity period
- Clarify clients may withdraw consent at any time
- Obtain financial consent openly and transparently
- For groups: clarify who is "the client"
- Written consent mandatory for physical contact
Telehealth Consent Must Cover:
- Platform privacy and security risks
- Service limitations
- Emergency procedures
- Data storage practices
- Any AI tools used in service delivery
Recommendation
Implement annual consent reviews at a fixed date. Document ongoing consent especially when circumstances change.
Physical Contact Requirements
Restrictive- Clear, evidence-based indication justifying use
- Written consent from the client
- Documentation in clinical records
- Discussion with experienced practitioner BEFORE proceeding
- Confirmation it is in client's best interest
Affects
Exposure therapy, biofeedback, body-based interventions, and any assessment or intervention involving touch.
Supervision & Supervisor Liability
Supervisor Liability
Supervisors may be held responsible for supervisee conduct if supervision standards are not met.
Additional Requirements:
- Recognise power imbalances in supervision
- No supervision of pre-existing relationships
- Document all supervision sessions
- Use supervision when expanding practice areas
Supervision Log Should Record:
- Date and duration
- Topics discussed
- How supervision informed clinical decisions
- Risk and competence concerns addressed
Record Keeping Standards
Records must be:
- Accurate and up to date
- Factual and objective
- Legible and accessible
- Respectful (no derogatory remarks)
- Made at time of events or ASAP
Retention Periods:
Adults
7 years
Minors
Until age 25
Compliance Checklist
Actions required before 1 December 2025
Documentation Updates:
- Consent forms (ongoing dialogue, telehealth, AI tools)
- Privacy policies and intake forms
- Service agreements (scope, fees, boundaries)
- Couples/family consent (who is "client")
New Practice Documentation:
- Supervision log template
- Risk assessment documentation
- Physical contact consultation records
- Dual relationship documentation
Self-Assessment & CPD:
- Self-assess against 8 Professional Competencies
- Identify gaps in cultural safety (Competencies 7 & 8)
- Develop outcome-focused learning plan
- Consider cultural safety training
Reassurance
Practitioners who have been practising ethically are likely already meeting most requirements. The work lies in aligning documentation to demonstrate compliance.