Comprehensive consultation to inform the next RANZCP Strategic Plan 2026–30 has commenced. This is an important moment for our College, and I invite each of you to be a part of this journey. Your inputs and unique perspectives are essential to this process.

We are evaluating our performance, looking to the future, and setting new priorities for the years to come. 

Our next phase is about ensuring the College remains relevant and responsive to our members’ needs. How do we respond to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead? What does the strategic landscape look like for our profession, and how do we evolve to meet the future? These are the critical questions we need to answer.

We would very much appreciate your input. Members can share their feedback via the RANZCP Consultation Hub while others can email strategicplan@ranzcp.org by 24 October 2025.

On the media front, one year after the release of the Australian Royal Commission's report into Defence and Veteran Suicide, veterans’ mental health has been in the spotlight. The College welcomes the new Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy released by Minister Matt Keogh, but the strategy's success depends on having enough skilled psychiatrists to deliver specialised care. That is why we’re urging the government to commit to renewing the Military and Veteran Psychiatry Training Program beyond 2026 and increasing the number of training posts the program provides. We will continue to advocate for a culturally trained mental health workforce that can provide culturally competent care for our veterans. 

We also worked with ABC reporter Matilda Marozzi to analyse Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) data about adverse mental health events associated with the use of medicinal cannabis. RANZCP Queensland Chair and spokesperson on the issue Professor Brett Emmerson was on TV talking about growing number of cases where people with mental health conditions have been wrongly prescribed medicinal cannabis, causing concerning side effects.

Moving on to Education, the College will soon launch new Structured Learning Activity modules in Learnit. These modules are designed to strengthen critical thinking skills in psychiatric practice and progress from foundational concepts to advanced applications. The first two sections will be available from 24 October, and further details are available on the website. 

In line with our ongoing commitment to modernising assessments, we’re also preparing for the transition of the MEQ examination to a computer-based format in 2026. As part of this process, the College is inviting volunteers to participate in a mock examination on 24 November 2025. There is no cost to participate, and expressions of interest are open until 3 October.

Turning to member news, I extend my congratulations to Professor Saxby Pridmore who has been awarded the 2025 RANZCP Tasmania Branch Meritorious Service Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to psychiatry. Professor Pridmore has profoundly shaped psychiatric practice through his leadership, research, and compassionate, patient-centred care.

We also continue to spotlight the dedication of our trainees who are making a real difference through their everyday work. This month, you can read about Dr Matt Davidson, a Stage 3 rural trainee and Chair of the WA Association of Psychiatry Trainees Committee. Dr Davidson, who describes himself as ‘a country kid turned primary school teacher turned doctor’ is passionate about helping rural trainees feel more supported, connected, and valued within the broader training network.

There are so many members making outstanding contributions to psychiatry. If you know someone whose work deserves recognition, consider nominating them (or yourself) for a RANZCP award. The 2026 awards program is currently open and will close on 31 October 2025.

And finally, there is an important change coming to the way you access your RANZCP account. From 14 October 2025, the multifactor authentication codes required to login will be sent to your registered mobile number. The username format is also changing from the current member ID to memberID@id.ranzcp.org, and you will be prompted to set a new password.

These changes will impact all College systems – including the website, InTrain, MyCPD, Learnit, consultation hub, awards and grants, meeting papers, bill payments, STP, SIMG and Certificate systems. To ensure uninterrupted access, please check and update your mobile number in your profile. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to contact memberhelp@ranzcp.org.

Astha Tomar
President