Tuesday, 29 October 2024

Sexologists

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (22:31): (1219) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Health, and the action I seek is for the minister to advocate to her federal counterparts for sexologist to become a nationally protected title. Sexologists are trained healthcare professionals who specialise in and are qualified to help with sexual dysfunctions, such as painful sex; understanding sexual identity and orientation; sexual relationship counselling for individuals or couples; and dealing with sexual trauma and violence. Despite this training and education, their professional title is not protected. This means that non-accredited and unqualified so-called ‘sex therapists’ can work in the field, risking patient health. Sexology is a multidisciplinary scientific study, but the term ‘sexologist’ or ‘sex therapist’ is not a protected title here in Australia like ‘psychologist’ or ‘psychiatrist’ is. We have specialty trained health professionals for our skeletal systems, our muscles and even our feet, but sexual health is still not taken seriously enough to warrant recognition. The taboo nature of conversations on sexual health creates this harmful stigma about common human experiences, and sexologists are here to change that. Psychosexual therapists registered to the current peak body of Australian sexologists must hold two tertiary qualifications, one in sexology and one in a registered titled profession, such as counselling, psychotherapy, social work, nursing or occupational therapy. However, unless ‘sexologist’ and ‘sex therapist’ become protected titles, people can legally advertise themselves that way without being registered like other legitimate healthcare providers are.

Protecting the title would have a range of benefits for those seeking out these services. It would ensure people are being treated by qualified experts in the field. It would improve accessibility of services in pelvic pain clinics, cancer treatment and support hospitals and trauma-informed therapies where they are currently being excluded. It would also increase clarity within the medical field about what sexology is, reducing the stigma and improving opportunities to support improved sexual health for all Australians. Far too often we see a service that is largely provided by women and largely sought out by women and gender-diverse people being blatantly undervalued, underfunded and misunderstood. I urge the minister to advocate for this vital change in the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law so that we can finally see the reform and safeguarding that sexologists in this country have been asking for and deserve.