Every now and then, I find myself asking: What really gives meaning to the work that we do, as psychiatrists and as a College?

Every element of our work – from our day-to-day clinical work, to setting standards, education, training, CPD, policy work and membership engagement – ultimately serves one purpose: ensuring that psychiatrists can deliver the best possible care to the people and communities we serve.

Advocacy weaves through every part of our work. It’s not an add-on, it’s who we are and what we do. Steady, thoughtful advocacy helps change policy, influence funding, shape public understanding of mental illness and awareness of life-changing treatments. It helps improve the systems we work in, be it public or private, that have struggled for years and desperately need appropriate funding and reform. And we all know too well, the systems we work in are complex, crumbling, frequently not fit-for-purpose, which makes advocacy an ongoing challenge.

The College benefits from the collective wisdom of thousands of Fellows, Associates, Affiliates and College staff who together represent the full breadth and diversity of psychiatry in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. Our advocacy works because it stands on firm ground: the passion and expertise of our members and the College’s institutional foundations which then ensures our voice is credible and balanced.

As we speak with one voice – grounded in empathy, evidence and experience – we carry credibility. Our influence is real. The community trusts us as their allies and advocates. Media seeks our perspective. Governments recognise the need to listen. Partners want to align with us.

The College has a strong and active presence across various jurisdictions.  Our Branch committees, Tū Te Akaaka Roa, and binational committees engage with governments, departments and sector partners. We have consistently called out the stigma still surrounding moderate to severe mental illnesses, the poor access to timely specialist care, and the reality of mental health systems that remain fragmented and under-resourced.

This on-the-ground advocacy work is what keeps psychiatry visible and respected, informing government and department policies and strategies but also trusted to speak up strategically with clarity and purpose about what’s not working. A strategic part of that role is to be at the table, help design solutions and ensure psychiatrists' expertise helps shape reforms, with an emphasis on the leadership we provide in the teams and systems we work in.

It is a misconception that like some specialist colleges, psychiatry needs a separate entity or association to undertake advocacy because the College is somehow restricted. That is simply not true. The RANZCP is uniquely structured to undertake advocacy, policy leadership, training and professional development in an integrated way. All parts of the College work together strengthen our profession.

Over recent years, as the College’s influence and visibility in government relations, partnerships and media have grown substantially – particularly through our Branches and NZ Office – so too have the expectations of our members, who rightly want a College that is responsive, engaged and effective in shaping the future of metal health care.

he privilege of representing the College comes with an obligation to use that platform with integrity, in ways that strengthen our shared mission. The authority and effectiveness of our roles are not individual or personal; they are conferred through the trust of members, a reputation built over decades, and the dedicated support of committee members.

The potency of our work rests not only on what we do now but on the deep credibility, reputation and respect built by those who came before us.  We stand on the shoulders of giants. Our task thus becomes to honour and safeguard the College’s legacy and ensure our actions strengthen the trust placed in us.

In this context, more bodies or groups speaking on behalf of psychiatrists, however well-intentioned, risk jeopardising that work. Multiple voices risk confusing stakeholders, fragmenting our profession and undermining what can be achieved together.

As your President, I am committed to ensuring the College remains a strong, respected, and effective advocate for psychiatrists and psychiatrists-in-training. Journeys of a thousand miles still need single steps. We will not get there overnight, but things move faster when more of us roll up our sleeves and join forces.  

Your opportunity to help shape the next chapter of the RANZCP story begins with the upcoming committee opportunities. While writing this I couldn’t help but think of that classic scene from Monty Python’s Life of Brian, and it always brings a smile. The link is attached if you haven’t seen it in a while.  So, if you ever find yourself wondering what the Romans have ever done for us, I encourage you to consider joining a committee. You will find more information about the election timeline and our committees on the RANZCP website.

As 2025 draws to a close, keep an eye out for our new spotlight series, where each Board Director will highlight different areas of the work the College does. Each instalment will shine a light on efforts being undertaken to support psychiatrists, strengthen our profession, and advocate for the best possible mental health outcomes in our communities.

As always, don’t hesitate to send through your feedback, concerns and compliments via president@ranzcp.org. 

Dr Astha Tomar
President