We are all deeply saddened by the tragic events that unfolded in Sydney earlier this month. We continue to keep those who were, and continue to be affected in our thoughts, including the victims, their families, the witnesses, health workers, first responders and the wider community. These events impact everyone differently, and it is important to treat ourselves, and each other, with empathy and compassion. 

Please remember that support is available to you if you need it, whether through our College’s resources or other avenues. The RANZCP Member Support Program is available for free to all members 24x7, providing access to consultations with psychologists, social workers and counsellors. 

While mental health conditions may sometimes be a factor in tragic incidents, as we know, the majority of individuals living with mental illnesses are not violent. We all have a role to play in challenging stigma and advocate for a society that supports and empowers people living with mental illness and their families.

Our mental health system and the severity of the workforce shortage is firmly in the spotlight. The College continues to advocate for high-quality mental healthcare that is affordable, accessible and equitable. The Australian Federal Government will deliver its budget on 14 May, and the Aotearoa New Zealand Government will deliver its budget on 30 May. In January, our pre-budget submission to the Australian Federal Government advocated for proactive, targeted and sustainable investment in the psychiatry workforce to ensure Australians can get the mental health care they need. Pre-budget submissions to State and Territory governments also highlighted workforce shortages, with asks tailored to the particular needs of each jurisdiction. In April, our submission on the Aotearoa New Zealand Government’s Budget Policy Statement called for action to address psychiatry workforce shortages and increase ring-fenced funding for mental health.

Australian Health Ministers met in Brisbane recently to discuss the National Health Reform Agreement and key challenges facing the health sector. Ahead of this meeting, the College made a coordinated effort across Australian jurisdictions to ensure mental health was firmly on the agenda, and expressed our support for an additional meeting specifically for Mental Health Ministers and portfolio matters. Our College Branch Chairs directly engaged with their respective Health and Mental Health Ministers highlighting core issues our members and the community face. In a win for College advocacy, the Ministers agreed to hold – for the first time in over a decade – a dedicated session with Mental Health Ministers. We will continue to engage with governments on priority agenda items we’d like discussed.

And in other news, the RANZCP 2023 Annual Review and Financial Report are now available. These reports cover the breadth of College activities, achievements and work in 2023. It also includes a snapshot of our membership and highlights the many achievements of our members during the year. I encourage you to peruse them.

The RANZCP’s Psych Matters podcast goes from strength to strength, delivering quality episodes across a wide range of topics for both College members and anyone with an interest in mental health. I encourage you to listen to the latest episodes – released last week – on Transgender Youth, and Gender Affirming Care: What is it? (and what it isn’t!). 

Finally, April marks an important period for many cultures around the world. No matter which holiday you were observing – Easter, Passover, Baisakhi, Ramadan – or simply enjoying some secular time off, I hope you were able to come together and celebrate with family and friends!

Dr Elizabeth Moore
RANZCP President