What Australia’s new psychology Code of Conduct means for LGBTQ+ ethical practice

In December 2025, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency introduced a new Code of Conduct for registered psychologists, replacing the Australian Psychological Society’s long-standing Code of Ethics. While regulatory reform is routine, this transition represents a significant shift in how ethical obligations are articulated, governed, and enforced, with implications for how psychologists are trained and supported to work ethically with LGBTQ+ clients. This paper examines how previous ethical guidance framed LGBTQ+ health and well-being, identifying conceptual omissions, dated assumptions, and uneven coverage across LGBTQ+ subpopulations. Drawing on this analysis, we consider how the new Code of Conduct might address – or risk reproducing – existing practice gaps, with a focus on competence, confidence, and accountability when working with marginalised subgroups. We discuss the implications for education, supervision, and continuing professional development, highlighting the need for explicit, contemporary, and inclusive ethical guidance to support culturally safe and affirming care.