The looming resignation of over 200 psychiatrists in the NSW public health system on top of 140 vacant psychiatrist positions reflects the dire state of the current NSW mental health system and will only compound the challenges and trauma experienced by people with acute mental health challenges, their families, and carers.
The NSW mental health peak bodies, BEING Mental Health Consumers (BEING), Mental Health Carers NSW (MHCN) and Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) have been calling for significant mental health reform in NSW for decades.
'The peaks acknowledge the plea from NSW psychiatrists in relation to their remuneration demands and the request to meet the existing shortfall of psychiatrists in the public system, but we argue that this is only one piece of the puzzle - the entire NSW mental health system requires significant investment'. Dr Evelyne Tadros (MHCC, CEO)
According to a report from the Health Policy Analysis, over 166,000 people aged 12–64 years in NSW require, but do not receive the psychosocial support services they need.[1] A 2023 study from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that while mental health represents 15% of the total burden of disease in NSW, it only receives 5% of overall healthcare funding. [2]
'Such systemic neglect will require a concerted effort and commitment from Government to repair and reform the mental health system. We need to see a realignment of funds and increased investment in models of care and alternatives, that promotes prevention and the ongoing wellbeing of consumers and recognises the role of social determinants like housing and employment have in driving mental distress'. Giancarlo de Vera (CEO, BEING)
'Such a system would still require psychiatry, but psychiatry would play a supporting role in models of care that respect human rights and are based on best practice, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approaches made available earlier in the experience of mental distress, thus reducing the need for involuntary treatment.' Jonathan Harms (CEO, MHCN)
The peaks renew their calls for urgent and significant investment by the NSW Government in the entire mental health system, including in the recruitment and retention of the workforce, and we stand ready to work with the Government to build the world-class mental health system that NSW deserves.
