Australian Psychiatrists have welcomed the release of South Australia’s Psychiatry Workforce Plan, calling it a lifeline for South Australians who have been missing out on mental health care in the state, and the psychiatry workforce that is at the risk of burning out under relentless pressure.

This plan comes after an independent review of mental health services in rural South Australia in 2023 revealed that rural and remote SA have the lowest number of psychiatrists in the country. Last year, a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) survey of 143 SA based psychiatrists found that 9 in 10 were concerned about workforce shortages putting patient care at risk.

RANZCP President-elect Dr Astha Tomar said psychiatrists hoped the plan will serve as a roadmap for other states and territories looking to strengthen their mental health workforce.

“Workforce shortages in psychiatry are a national issue and not confined to state or territory boundaries.

“Right now, Australia is struggling to meet half its national demand for psychiatry services. This isn't just a numbers problem – it's a critical health emergency that is leaving Australians without the mental health support they desperately need.

“This plan shows exactly how we can start rebuilding our mental health system from the ground up.

“We commend Minister Picton and the Malinauskas Government for showing leadership and vision by delivering on their election promise to address critical mental health workforce shortages.

“With both the Federal Health Minister and Shadow Health Minister based in South Australia, we urge them to take a closer look right at their own backyard and lead a national response to this crisis.”

RANZCP SA Branch Chair, Dr Patrick Clarke said the plan is a significant milestone in tackling the state’s workforce shortages and ensuring South Australians get the mental health care they need, when and where they need it.

“South Australia has shown what’s possible when governments listen to the people who make up the system,” Dr Patrick Clarke said.

“We’re proud to say that our state is leading the way with the plan. It’s a proud moment for us as psychiatrists, as South Australians, and as South Australian psychiatrists.”

It is the first time a plan has made specific recommendations based on robust modelling of unmet community need for psychiatric services and mapped the real-world impact of those recommendations. This makes the plan actionable, measurable and trackable – and therefore accountable to the community.

"For too long, workforce shortages have put immense strain on our mental health system, leaving too many South Australians waiting too long for care or missing out entirely.

“My colleagues in the system have repeatedly warned of the risks to patient care, unsustainable waitlists and concerns about their own mental health and burnout.

“So, it’s good to see a plan that offers real, tangible solutions to attract, train, and retain psychiatrists across the board.

"Now that we’ve got the much-needed momentum, we look forward to seeing the plan and its vision turn into a reality with more psychiatrists caring for South Australians,” Dr Clarke said.

Statement from the South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton:

“The release of this plan has been made possible by the strong relationship between the RANZCP and the State Government, and I thank them for their collaborative approach in working with us on this critical matter for our state.

“We committed to partnering with psychiatrists here on the ground to develop a robust plan to tackle the national psychiatry workforce shortage, which is what we have delivered today.

“Our government continues with our ambitious agenda to grow our mental health services and workforce to meet the increased demand in the community. This includes launching an interstate and international mental health recruitment campaign while we build more than 130 additional mental health beds.”

You can view the full plan here.

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.