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Shape the future of child mental health practice

  • Be heard where it counts. Your day-to-day experience directly informs Emerging Minds' resources, training and the policy positions we take to government.
  • Help shape the resources you use. Survey findings shape the free tools, courses and practice guides we develop next, so what you tell us today becomes what supports you tomorrow.
  • See the sector clearly. As a thank you, respondents get first access to the 2026 findings report – benchmark your work against a national picture of the workforce.
  • Feel less alone in the work. Learn what other practitioners across Australia are seeing, needing and doing, and where the sector is headed.
  • Win while you contribute. Enter the prize draw to win one of five iPads as a thank you for your time.
  • Reflect on your practice. Download your responses for reflective practice, aiding your own professional development.

Time until survey launch

Frequently asked questions

What is the National Workforce Survey (NWS)?
Emerging Minds' National Workforce Survey (NWS) is the largest regular annual snapshot of practitioners who support children, young people and families across Australia. NWS findings help us and others understand workforce needs and identify emerging trends, while shaping the resources, training and advocacy Emerging Minds delivers to the sector.
Why should I participate?
This is your opportunity to have a direct impact on the support provided to more than 80,000 practitioners engaged with Emerging Minds each year and help sectors plan how they support their workforces. Your insights help inform future resources, learning opportunities, practice tools and advocacy efforts that reflect the realities of practitioner experiences. Plus, you have the chance to win an iPad!
Who should complete the survey?
The NWS is open to professionals who work in health, social services, community services and education sectors. You do not need to work with children or work in mental health to participate in the survey. We want to hear from a range of roles including GPs, paediatricians, allied health professionals, educators, community service workers, mental health practitioners, leaders, managers and policy professionals.
What happens when I register my interest?
By registering your interest, your invitation to the NWS – opening on 7 September – is guaranteed, along with access to the results, when released. If you can help share the survey with your networks, we will send you a promo pack with ready-made materials you can use for emails, newsletters, websites and social media.
How long will the survey take to complete?
The NWS has been designed with practitioners in mind and should take around 25 minutes to complete. Our aim is to ensure the questions are focused, purposeful and relevant so that every response contributes meaningful insights into the sector.
Will I receive the survey results?
Yes. Survey participants will receive early access to the NWS 2026 findings report, providing valuable insights into the experiences, challenges and priorities of practitioners across Australia. Participants will also be eligible to enter a prize draw to win one of five iPads as a thank you for their contribution.
Will my response be confidential?

Yes. Your response is completely confidential. Our survey data is stored on Australian servers and only accessed by the Emerging Minds research team. We use summary data in our reporting and no individual will be identified. If you choose to enter the prize draw as a thank you for your contribution, your name and contact details will not be stored with your survey responses.