The Psychology Board of Australia Code of Conduct (the Code) sets out the standards of conduct the Board expects from psychologists. The Board's paramount consideration is public protection and public confidence in the safety of the services psychologists provide in Australia. The Board's first Code of Conduct came into effect in 2025 after 6 years of development, thus implementing a regulatory code and moving away from the traditional Code of Ethics. The preparatory work included researching tribunal decisions and coronial recommendations, complaint themes, the scientific literature, and codes of conduct of other jurisdictions. An expert advisory group undertook a gap analysis to prepare a draft code for consultation.


The new Code has moved from general high-level principles that are complemented by ethical guidelines towards a single document of expectations that describes behaviours that are required or prohibited in practice. The Code deliberately embeds cultural safety as a core requirement for safe and effective practice, including expanded guidance on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and cultural safety. The Code also includes revised expectations for professional boundaries to highlight that the power imbalance and risk of exploitation, the extent of the relationship, and vulnerability of the client are the most relevant factors.


The presentation will provide an overview of the development of the new Code, the process of consultation and implementation, and key learnings that have supported a safe transition for the Psychology profession.