Psychiatrists have congratulated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the incoming Labor government for its election win and urged it to address the mental health impacts of the pandemic as a top priority.

RANZCP President, Associate Professor Vinay Lakra, said many of the mental health impacts of the pandemic needed ongoing attention despite an end to lockdowns.

'Psychiatrists are looking forward to working with Prime Minister Albanese and his team to see Australia take big steps towards filling the gaps in services that can keep people in good mental health,' Associate Professor Lakra said.

'The positive shift we’ve seen over the course of the pandemic where people are now more conscious and open about their mental health needs to be matched by investment in services to improve accessibility, in particular for at-risk and vulnerable groups.'

'We encourage the incoming government to make access and affordability on its top priority besides focus on addressing the social determinants of mental ill-health.'

'We also need to see a more coordinated approach from leaders to providing the clinical services and the information that help people to help themselves.'

'Both require an ambitious reform agenda and an open discussion about how we can do mental health better in Australia.'

'Psychiatrists stand ready to work collaboratively with the new government and parliament, including the large crossbench whom we know want to put the health of their local communities first.'

For all other expert mental health information visit Your Health in Mind, the RANZCP’s consumer health information website.

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The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org.

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.