The numbers tell a story that should concern every parent and educator in Australia. 27.4 percent of primary school students and 35.9 percent of secondary school students report high levels of anxiety, depression, or both. Over the past fifteen years, young people experiencing mental illness have increased by 50 percent. This surge explains why demand for guidance counsellors also known as guidance officers or school counsellors—continues to climb across Australian schools.
The Critical Gap in Mental Health Support
Here’s the uncomfortable reality: only 4% of primary schools in NSW have a counsellor on site daily. About 3,000 psychologists of Australia’s 27,000-strong psychology workforce work in school settings. But there are substantial variations in the ratios of psychologists to children across states and territories. The gap matters because half of all adult mental health conditions first emerge before age fourteen. Schools play a frontline role in identifying signs of mental health issues, providing early support, and referring students to health services. When guidance counsellors are present, they become the bridge between struggling students and the help they need.
What Guidance Counsellors Actually Do
Guidance counsellors in Australia typically hold a combination of teaching qualifications and a background in psychology or counselling. This dual expertise positions them to address both academic and well-being challenges.
Their responsibilities include:
Providing one-on-one mental health support to students Identifying early signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns Supporting students with academic planning and career guidance Collaborating with teachers to create supportive classroom environments Connecting families with external mental health services when needed Managing crises and immediate safety concerns These professionals work within the school environment, making them accessible to students who might not otherwise seek help.
Government Investment Signals Growing Recognition
Victorian government policy demonstrates the shifting priority around student mental health support. Every Victorian government secondary school and specialist school with secondary-aged enrollments is now funded to employ an ongoing, school-based Mental Health Practitioner. The initiative will roll out across Victoria between 2023 and 2026, eventually providing funding for every government and low-fee non-government primary school to employ a mental health and wellbeing leader. This investment acknowledges what educators have known for years: you can’t separate academic success from mental well-being.
Salary and Career Outlook
The average salary for a school counsellor in Australia ranges from $85,000 to $105,000, according to recent data from March 2025. Some sources report variations, with salaries reaching $106,220 per year. This competitive compensation reflects both the specialised qualifications required and the high demand for these roles. The broader educational workforce crisis—with predictions of a shortage of 4,100 secondary school teachers next year—amplifies the need for specialised support roles like guidance counsellors. The Australian Education Union’s latest research revealed teacher shortages at almost 83 percent of 953 schools. While that’s less than last year’s record highs, it remains at almost triple historic rates.
Why This Matters Beyond School Walls
The mental health challenges don’t disappear after graduation. Between 35% and 55% of first-year university students experience high to very high psychological distress. From pre-COVID (2019) to the first wave of COVID-19 (2020), the proportion of students screening positive for mental health problems rose significantly in both domestic students (66-76%) and international students (46-67%). These trends demonstrate that mental health challenges persist beyond secondary school. They underscore the foundational importance of early intervention by school counsellors. When guidance counsellors provide effective support during the critical developmental window before age fourteen, they potentially change the trajectory of a young person’s entire life.
The Path Forward
Australia needs more guidance counsellors in schools. The data makes this clear. For parents, understanding the role of guidance counselors helps you advocate for your child’s access to these services. For students considering this career path, the combination of competitive salary, high demand, and meaningful impact makes it worth exploring. For educators and policymakers, the evidence supports continued investment in school-based mental health support. The alternative, waiting until mental health conditions become entrenched in adulthood, costs far more in both human and economic terms. Guidance counsellors aren’t just support staff. They’re essential infrastructure for student wellbeing in Australian schools.
As Australian schools navigate increasing mental health challenges among students, guidance counsellors stand at the intersection of education and wellbeing. Their presence in schools isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity that shapes both immediate student outcomes and long-term community health. The question isn’t whether we can afford to invest in school counsellors, but whether we can afford not to.
