The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is deeply concerned that amid one of the
greatest mental health crises in Australia's history not a single representative from the
sector has been invited to attend the Albanese Government's Job and Skills Summit
beginning today.
APS President Tamara Cavenett urged the Federal Government to act saying "last
month the ABS found shocking levels of mental ill-health sweeping the nation, with
almost a quarter (21.4%) of Australians suffering a mental disorder during 2020-21."
"Our own research shows nationally 1 in 3 psychologists are unable to take new patients
due to overwhelming demand. Before the pandemic this was 1 in 100."
"Inaction is costing the Australian economy more than $220 billion per year, more than
double JobKeeper. We cannot afford business as usual when the cost of mental illhealth
on family and government budgets has never been greater."
"A strong economy is predicated on a physically and mentally healthy workforce.
Investing in the psychology workforce will improve the federal budget, increase total
workforce participation, reduce wait times and save lives."
Despite these extraordinary figures, the Federal Government is meeting only 35% of its
psychology workforce target, the greatest shortfall of any mental health profession due
to a crippling skills crisis that is expected to get significantly worse.
Not only is there not enough psychologists, but a lack of federal funding also means the
sector risks being unable to even replace those who are retiring, let alone increase
numbers.
"We currently have a system where universities are closing psychology courses and
limiting enrolments because they are losing money due to a lack of federal funding, all
while mental health is the largest and fastest growing demand in primary care."
"25 per cent of the workforce is 55 years or older. We are quickly approaching a
workforce cliff and must do all we can to avoid it."
President Tamara Cavenett stressed that this wasn't just about psychologists, but the
entire mental health sector saying "workers across the largely female dominated mental
health sector have been working under extraordinary conditions for years."
"The Federal Government must look at this crisis as an opportunity for reform – there is
no health without mental health."
