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Collaboration with Allied Health Professionals
In Australia: National Alliance for Self-Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP)
AMTA has successfully received provisional membership to the National Alliance for Self-Regulating Health Professions. Membership to this peak body was intended to advance aspects of AMTA’s strategic plan and further professionalise AMTA as it transitions from a volunteer to a well-regarded peak body. NASRHP membership will ensure the AMTA governance framework is equivalent to registered allied health colleagues (e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy etc) and will increase consumer confidence in the safe and ethical practice of Registered Music Therapists (RMTs).
In New Zealand: Maintaining links with Allied Health Professionals
Music therapy New Zealand is maintaining close links with the Allied Health Aotearoa New Zealand (AHANZ) who represent and advocate for better patient outcomes through a holistic approach to health care. AHANZ has an important role as the national body with government ministries and other organisations that seek a collective view of allied health.
COVID-19 Responses
Both Music Therapy New Zealand and AMTA are continuing to provide Covid-19 support to members, providing for links to resources and keeping them informed of available support. The state of Victoria in Australia has been in a state of emergency since early August and continues to be facing severe restrictions due to Covid-19. We send love and encouragement to our colleagues in this area.
AMTA has invested substantial time and resources into supporting its members during this extremely difficult and, for some, traumatic time. For example, in August a highly experienced speech pathologist facilitated a Safe Singing webinar organised by AMTA. Subsequently, in close consultation with the Speech Pathology Association, AMTA have drafted some safe singing practices for their members to consider that will assist in managing risk, infection control and vocal fatigue during the Covid-19 emergency. AMTA’s other response initiatives have included (but are not limited to):
- Free CPD Webinars Support Series
- Free HR and Business Advice Packages for RMTs
- Financial Support Initiatives introduced during Membership Renewal
- Telehealth Guidelines,
- Telehealth Music Therapy Research
- More flexible Student Placement Requirements
- COVID-19 Support Groups and Resources accessible via AMTA’s webpage and closed FB groups
AMTA and music therapy New Zealand have both offered financial support during membership renewal. In Australia this includes COVID -19 Reduced Rate, Working Less than 8Hrs p/w Reduced rate, and Payment Plans; and in New Zealand a special 50% discount to all members for a two-year period (2020 and 2021) as well as individual considerations as needed.
The Aotearoa Crisis Intervention Special Interest Group
In New Zealand, after experiencing several large-scale traumatic events and seeking advice from the World Federation of Music Therapy Global Crises Committee, the Aotearoa Crisis Intervention Special Interest Group was formed. The group have gathered research and resources for music therapists focused on trauma and resilience, developed best practice living guidelines, and are currently applying for substantial funds to establish future community-based crisis intervention projects in response to regional and national traumatic events. Devin Brooks, Chair of the Group, presented with the Global Crises Intervention team at World Congress of Music Therapy.
Conferences, Professional Development, Music Therapy Week
AMTA’s national conference and professional development seminar will be held online from the 7th to 15 November. The theme is Connection: Evolving, Reflecting, Responding. AMTA is committed to providing a better than ever National Conference and PDS in mid-November 2020. The emerging program looks unbelievably engaging and exciting so stay tuned for more details.
The Victoria branch of the AMTA are receiving very positive feedback from their ‘Self-Care Reimagined’ professional development series. ‘Self-Care Reimagined’ is a series of free online events hosted by Victorian Branch for RMTs and student members.
An Introductory (Level I) course in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and music is planned for October 23-28, 2020 in Melbourne. Expressions of interest are welcomed.
Music therapy New Zealand will hold their AGM on 13 September 2020 in Wellington. The day will begin with a presentation on cultural perspectives and music therapy and, following the meeting, another on music therapy practice in a new environment. The day will conclude with a drum circle.
Music Therapy Week in New Zealand will be held from October 19-25, 2020 and will have an online focus including music therapists singing Waiata gifted to the New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī, in 2013.
Music Therapy New Zealand is planning a symposium, for August 2021, which will focus on collaborative work with Allied health professionals.
Australian and New Zealand Registered Music Therapists were well represented at the recent world Congress of Music Therapy hosted by the world Federation of music therapy and the University of Pretoria. This online event held on 7-8 July was, despite initial difficulties with technology, extremely successful.
Awards
The 2020 Australian Allied Health Awards include a category for Music Therapist of the Year. Nominations close September 13.
Policy Initiatives and Reviews
The Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was established in 2018. The final report will be delivered in February 2021. AMTA was one of 10 targeted Allied Health Professions invited to attend an online focus group in August to review restraint laws in aged care homes. Representatives Bridgit Hogan and Prof Felicity Baker attended the forum during which Prof Baker advocated compellingly for music therapy as a meaningful approach to arousal regulation and safe alternative to chemical and physical restraints. AMTA have also contributed to the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Online training, and Telehealth Access for Allied Health Professionals.
Music therapy New Zealand is currently seeking clarification regarding the relationships between music therapists and New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) to ensure music therapists can service their clients as needed. New Zealand registered music therapists continue to encounter barriers that need to be addressed in terms of raising their professional recognition across all working sectors.
The music therapy New Zealand bicultural and multicultural relationships group have been developing a statement in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, which is currently out for cultural review.
Contact Information
There have been some changes of roles within Music Therapy New Zealand’s council. Executive Officer Lara Burke is working with the assistance of Lisa Stanley (previous Administrator, now contracted to work on our continuing website development) and Barbara Lewis (Registration Board Registrar). Barbara Lewis is also contracted to the historical documents project. The Digital Strategy and Website development continues to be coordinated by Amanda Reid with the assistance of Lisa and Lara.
Dr Daphne Rickson
Regional Liaison, Australia and New Zealand
World Federation of Music Therapy
Associate Professor (Music Therapy)
New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
