More than 200 psychiatrists are expected to walk off the job across the state due to ongoing pay and working condition disputes with the NSW Government. Photo: Motortion.
20 January marks a crossroads for mental health care here in NSW.
Across the state, 200 trained and practising psychiatrists will walk off the job permanently and resign from their positions due to an ongoing pay dispute with the NSW Government.
According to The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), more than 58,000 people in NSW with severe and complex mental health concerns are currently unable to access care because of a lack of services, funding, and staff.
This figure is expected to grow to more than 60,000 by the end of January due to the walk-off.
According to The National Association of Practising Psychiatrists (NAPP), the cause of the sudden mass exodus comes due to one simple thing, “a dispute with the NSW Government regarding pay and working conditions”.
The NAPP released a statement in December 2024 alerting the State Government to its decision due to the little to no progress that had been made.
“This situation underscores the urgent need for reform and action to address the deteriorating conditions faced by mental health professionals in the state,” the statement reads.
“The welfare of psychiatrists and trainees is paramount. Trainees, in particular, are at the foundation of the mental health system’s future, yet they are disproportionately impacted by these challenges.
“Overburdened workloads, inadequate pay, and a lack of proper support are leading to burnout, distress, and a diminished capacity to provide the care our community so desperately needs.
“The failure to address these systemic issues has profound implications, not just for the psychiatrists and trainees directly affected but for the entire community. The mental health crisis in NSW continues to escalate, and without immediate government intervention, the consequences for patients and their families will be devastating.
“We call on the NSW Government to act swiftly and decisively to resolve this dispute. Investment in mental health professionals is an investment in the community’s well-being. Failing to do so risks long-term harm to public health and the sustainability of our mental health system.”
The State Government has since addressed this statement claiming on social media that it has “plans in place to try to manage the expected impact next week and to continue to provide care, particularly to those people most in need. These plans include establishing the Mental Health Emergency Operations Centre to co-ordinate efforts through the NSW public health system.”
The statement reads: “NSW Health greatly values these psychiatrists and is urging them to reconsider and continue to work towards solutions to the concerns they have raised.”
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978.
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