Prompted by the upcoming Australian Federal election, in this solo ep Bron unpacks whether psychologists should speak up about political issues or remain politically neutral. Bron also walks through the AHPRA code of conduct, AHPRA social media guidelines, and other considerations for those who want to advocate for change. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of psychology and politics!

LINKS
Wells, R., & Behardian O'Doherty, S. (2020). "What is an activist-practitioner and should I be one?" [Magazine Article]
Rahim, M., & Cooke, A. (2019). Should clinical psychologists be political? [Book Chapter]
AHPRA Code of Conduct for Psychologists (effective from 1 December 2025)
AHPRA social media guidance: "How to meet your obligations under the National Law"
Haeny, A. M. (2014). Ethical Considerations for Psychologists Taking a Public Stance on Controversial Issues: The Balance Between Personal and Professional Life. Ethics & Behavior, 24(4), 265–278. https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2013.860030
Nadal, K. L. (2017). “Let’s get in formation”: On becoming a psychologist–activist in the 21st century. American Psychologist, 72(9), 935–946. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000212
Singh, A., Roberts, M. C., McKinney, W. S., Kelly, S., Ortega, A., Doyle, R., & Tampke, E. C. (2023). Advocacy as a professional competency in psychology. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 17(4), 414–422. https://doi.org/10.1037/tep0000450

THE END BITS

Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by Bronwyn Milkins.

Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵

Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com

Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website

CREDITS

Producer: Michael English

Music: Home

Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated service or organisation. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.

Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.

Prompted by the upcoming Australian Federal election, in this solo ep Bron unpacks whether psychologists should speak up about political issues or remain politically neutral. Bron also walks through the AHPRA code of conduct, AHPRA social media guidelines, and other considerations for those who want to advocate for change. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of psychology and politics!
LINKS
<ul>
<li>Wells, R., &amp; Behardian O'Doherty, S. (2020). <a href="https://activistpractition.wixsite.com/magazine/the-magazine">"What is an activist-practitioner and should I be one?"</a> [Magazine Article]</li>
<li>Rahim, M., &amp; Cooke, A. (2019). <a href="https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781351056267-10/clinical-psychologists-political-masuma-rahim-anne-cooke">Should clinical psychologists be political?</a> [Book Chapter]</li>
<li>AHPRA&nbsp;<a href="https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Standards-and-Guidelines/Professional-practice-standards/Code-of-conduct.aspx">Code of Conduct for Psychologists</a> (effective from 1 December 2025)</li>
<li>AHPRA social media guidance:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Social-media-guidance.aspx">"How to meet your obligations under the National Law"</a></li>
<li>Haeny, A. M. (2014). Ethical Considerations for Psychologists Taking a Public Stance on Controversial Issues: The Balance Between Personal and Professional Life. Ethics &amp; Behavior,&nbsp;24(4), 265&ndash;278. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2013.860030">https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2013.860030</a></li>
<li>Nadal, K. L. (2017). &ldquo;Let&rsquo;s get in formation&rdquo;: On becoming a psychologist&ndash;activist in the 21st century. American Psychologist, 72(9), 935&ndash;946.&nbsp;<a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/amp0000212">https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000212</a></li>
<li>Singh, A., Roberts, M. C., McKinney, W. S., Kelly, S., Ortega, A., Doyle, R., &amp; Tampke, E. C. (2023). Advocacy as a professional competency in psychology. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 17(4), 414&ndash;422.&nbsp;<a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/tep0000450">https://doi.org/10.1037/tep0000450</a></li>
</ul>
THE END BITS
Mental Work is the Australian podcast for mental health workers about working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/about/">Bronwyn Milkins</a>.
Support the show by <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mentalwork">buying me a virtual coffee</a> ☕🍵
Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_mentalworkpodcast/">DM Bron on Instagram</a> or <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com">email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com</a>
<a href="https://www.podpage.com/mentalwork/p/guest/">Apply to be a guest</a> / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWorkPodcast">YouTube (with captions &amp; transcript)</a> / <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/">Website</a>
CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: <a href="https://home96.bandcamp.com/">Home</a>
Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or participant does not establish a clinical or non-clinical relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated service or organisation. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via <a href="mailto:mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com">email</a>. Further information can be found <a href="https://www.mentalworkpodcast.com/p/disclaimer/">here</a>.
Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honor the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar land in Boorloo.

Mental Work is the podcast about working in mental health for psychologists, with an early-career focus. Hosted by Psychologist Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

Mental Work is the podcast about working in mental health for psychologists, with an early-career focus. Hosted by Psychologist Dr Bronwyn Milkins.

A closer look at the everyday challenges faced by early-career mental health workers, so they don’t have to go it alone.