Specialist Psychologist Registration - petition
HON ALISON XAMON (East Metropolitan) [5.22 pm]: Earlier today I attempted to table a non-conforming petition and leave was denied. I would like to at least speak to some of the issues that are actually mentioned in the petition. The petition was in very similar terms to the petition I tabled immediately prior to attempting to table the non-conforming petition. That petition related to concerns that some constituents have about proposals for specialist psychologists registration. I am sure that this is an issue about which other members have probably received correspondence. I have certainly received correspondence on those proposed amendments for quite a few months now. The petition reads —
Petition for the Establishment of a Specialist Psychologists Registration Board for Western Australia.
We the undersigned ask for the establishment of a statutory board in the state of Western Australia to oversee the registration of specialist psychologists and monitor the continuing education and supervision of specialist psychologist registrars. We ask that this Specialist Psychologist’s Registration board be functional as soon as Western Australia moves into the National Registration Scheme for Health Practitioners.
Point of Order
Hon KEN TRAVERS: I ask that the member please identify the document that she is quoting from.
The PRESIDENT: The member has been asked to identify the document that she is quoting from.
Hon ALISON XAMON: I am reading directly from the nonconforming petition that I attempted to table earlier today.
Debate Resumed
The PRESIDENT: The member may also seek leave to table it.
Hon ALISON XAMON: I seek leave to table this petition.
Leave granted. [See paper 2085.]
Hon ALISON XAMON: As I have mentioned, the petition is nonconforming. A number of people identified their interest in the area. The petition was subsequently signed by counselling psychologists, speech pathologists, paediatricians, clinical psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists, doctors, nurses and—this is what particularly took my interest—a number of patients who are dealing with a mental illness at the moment. I thought it was very important that the petition at least be heard. Obviously, I will not debate the issues further because they form part of the debate that we will have in this house fairly soon. I am not attempting to pre-empt that debate. I am aware that the timing of this petition is very important precisely because we will debate these matters very soon. However, I felt that it was very important that it be on the record.
People want the opportunity to be heard in this place. I understand that it can be very difficult for people who are not professional lobbyists or who do not have the experience or skills to negotiate the political process. It is beholden on all of us to acknowledge that we should facilitate our constituents’ negotiation through that parliamentary process, not hinder them. I am pleased that these particular constituents had the opportunity to present a second petition that conformed to the standing orders and was able to be tabled today. I am concerned that we do not necessarily consistently deny earlier efforts, even if they do not comply. I am pleased to be able to raise the issues today, albeit briefly.