The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has welcomed the Federal Government’s $1.7 billion injection of funding for public hospitals while the five-year funding arrangements between the federal, state and territory governments are being finalised.  

Public hospitals across the country are under immense strain. Patients needing mental health support are arriving in crisis, with more acute conditions than ever, facing wait times exceeding 20 hours in some states and significantly longer stays compared to non-mental health patients. 

Every day, the College is hearing reports of emergency departments pushed beyond capacity, surging mental health presentations, ambulance ramping, and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 that continue to affect Australians. 

RANZCP President Dr Elizabeth Moore said this Commonwealth funding boost will be a positive step forward toward providing much-needed relief for Australians struggling to access essential health care services. 

“While investment in public hospitals is much needed, the reality is that hospitals don’t run without staff. Without the workforce providing vital care to people, hospitals and clinics are merely buildings and rooms. 

“Right across the country, we have a critical and chronic shortage of psychiatrists, as is currently visible in NSW, where the public mental health system is on its knees. 

“The College is hopeful that this investment will also be used to attract, train and retain more psychiatrists across the country, which Minister Butler acknowledged yesterday was one of the toughest jobs in the health system. 

Dr Moore said workforce remains the biggest barrier to Australia’s mental health care system yet also presents the greatest opportunity. 

“Without it, efforts to innovate, expand services, or deliver care to those who need it most will fall short. 

“Every state and territory in Australia is facing a shortage of psychiatrists. Without a funded national plan to grow the workforce, we will continue to see states competing against each other for a limited pool of mental health professionals. 

“Too many people are falling through the cracks of a mental health system in crisis—travelling far from their homes and loved ones, waiting months for care that delays their recovery and puts them at greater risk, or missing out on treatment altogether. 

“We need a national approach that attracts people to the profession, trains high-quality practitioners, and retains those already in the system. 

“State and territory governments must work hand-in-hand with the Federal Government and local health services to fix this, and the College stands ready to be part of that process. 

“Investment in mental health is not optional. It is essential to build a system designed and resourced to care for people. Only then can we help Australians recover well, stay well, and live well,” Dr Moore said. 

ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org.   

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.