The launch of the Psychiatry Workforce Plan: South Australia earlier this month was a major advocacy win for the College and our South Australian Branch. It marks the culmination of tireless advocacy by the Branch, a commitment by the Premier to make it a reality during the 2022 state election, and collaboration since then between the SA Branch, the College, and the South Australian Government.  

The plan sets out practical steps to close the gap between community demand and workforce supply, backed by research, evidence and sector input. It demonstrates what is possible when government and experts work together towards a common goal. I’d like to commend the SA Branch Committee and thank all other members who have contributed to this tremendous achievement.

Meanwhile in New South Wales, the Industrial Relations Commission’s hearing has been delayed with closing statements now scheduled in June. The ongoing uncertainty affects all those in NSW and I share the disappointment and frustration that this process has not been finalised. We also recognise the specific pressures on trainees and SIMGs until these issues are resolved. As such, the processes and accommodations implemented by the College for the February 2025 rotation will remain in place for the August 2025 rotation. 

In other news, as the launch of the Stage 3 Independent Observed Clinical Activity (IOCA) is approaching in August 2025, the College will be rolling out training sessions for supervisors to furnish the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to effectively assess the performance of trainees and specialist international medical graduates. Supervisor training for the Observed Clinical Activity (OCA) and IOCA is set to launch in May 2025. It includes regular online workshops delivered by trained OCA / IOCA facilitators aimed at establishing a shared understanding of rating processes while enhancing the quality and consistency of narrative feedback. If you have any thoughts or comments you’d like to share with us, please email clinicals@ranzcp.org.

The much-awaited RANZCP 2025 Congress will kick off this Sunday 4 May, and I’m looking forward to connecting with members and being inspired by an outstanding line-up of speakers.

The RANZCP Annual General Meeting will take place on Wednesday 7 May at which time we will we officially welcome the new RANZCP Board for 2025–26. My term as President will come to an end, and I’m pleased to transfer the Presidency to Dr Astha Tomar and to welcome Dr Angelo Virgona to the role as President-Elect. I’m also pleased to welcome Dr Agnew Alexander who has been appointed for a one-year term on the Board, and Dr Ashna Basu who will take over the reins from Dr Ava Carter as the Appointed Director, Trainee. My thanks to Dr Carter for her dedication to the position.

To all College members and staff – thank you for your ongoing support, collaboration, and trust. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as President. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent our College and the broader psychiatric community, and I look forward to seeing the College continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead.

Dr Elizabeth Moore
RANZCP President