Representing our College internationally provides a valuable opportunity to learn from colleagues around the world, strengthen longstanding partnerships and showcase the expertise of psychiatrists across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Over recent weeks, I have been reminded that the strength of our profession lies not only in clinical excellence, but in our willingness to learn from one another, support one another and work together in the interests of our patients and communities.

Having recently returned from the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP) World Congress in Hamburg, I was reminded of the exceptionally high regard for Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand psychiatrists and how our members continue to make an impact well beyond our own shores. Congratulations to Professor Valsamma Eapen AO and Professor David Coghill on their appointments to the new IACAPAP leadership team. Their appointments reflect the depth of expertise within our College and the respect our members enjoy internationally. Looking ahead, I am especially excited that the 28th IACAPAP World Congress will be held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland in September 2028. We will have the opportunity to welcome colleagues from around the world to our region, showcase the expertise of psychiatrists across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, and further strengthen international collaboration in child and adolescent mental health. I look forward to seeing many RANZCP members there.

My recent international engagements also included the opportunity to meet with outgoing Royal College of Psychiatrists President Dr Lade Smith CBE and incoming President Professor Subodh Dave in London. Building relationships with respected international leaders in psychiatry is an important part of representing our College, as is strengthening the longstanding relationship between our two Colleges. We face many common challenges from workforce shortages and mental health system reform to training, research and professional wellbeing, and there is much we can continue to learn from and achieve together.

Another highlight was attending the British Indian Psychiatric Association meeting, which reinforced the important contribution made by psychiatrist diaspora organisations. Across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, established and emerging cultural and diaspora psychiatrist networks are creating valuable opportunities for mentoring, professional connection, leadership development and cultural exchange. This includes long-established organisations, such as the Australasian Psychiatrists of Indian Origin, as well as emerging Sri Lankan and African psychiatrist networks. These groups enrich our broader professional community, and I am keen for the College to continue listening to, engaging with, and supporting the full diversity of our membership.

There is simply no substitute for bringing people together with events and conferences through Branches, Faculty and Section and other groups, where ideas are challenged, collaborations begin, friendships are strengthened and future leaders are inspired. They are one of the greatest strengths of our College.

Our 2026 RANZCP Congress in Melbourne demonstrated exactly that. Almost 3,000 members participated across in-person and virtual attendance, making it one of the largest gatherings of psychiatrists in our College’s history and reflecting the remarkable strength and engagement of our profession. Beyond an outstanding scientific program, the largest ever delivered by the College, the Congress brought together members across specialties, career stages and from local to international attendees, to strengthen our profession.

On the matter of the RANZCP’s ongoing advocacy for its members and their patients, I would like to congratulate the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (FCAP) on the launch of its workforce report this week, which received significant coverage across Australia, including through the ABC. 

This important work would not have been possible without the leadership of Professor Eapen, the contributions of FCAP members, and the outstanding support of our Policy and Advocacy and Media and External Affairs teams. It is an excellent example of the evidence-based advocacy that our College continues to provide on behalf of members and the communities we serve.

Looking ahead, I am particularly looking forward to our New Zealand Conference in Pēowhairangi Bay of Islands. As a truly binational College, it is important that the Board remains connected with members across both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

Another exciting milestone this year will be the Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry’s International Conference in Bangalore, co-hosted by RANZCP with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). It marks one of the first occasions in many years that the College has partnered to deliver a major meeting outside Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. India has longstanding educational and professional links with our College, with many psychiatrists practising across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand having completed part of their training there. I encourage members to consider attending and also mark their diaries for our 2027 RANZCP Congress in Christchurch.

The past few months have reminded me how deeply our members care about the College and the standards we expect of ourselves. As President, my commitment remains to listen carefully, engage respectfully, uphold strong governance, and work collaboratively in the best interests of our members, our profession, and the communities we serve.

As members are aware, the Board has commenced an external independent review and will convene a Members’ Requisition General Meeting in accordance with the Constitution. Consistent with good governance, I have abstained from all Board decisions relating to these matters and will continue to cooperate fully with the independent process.

It is a privilege to serve as your President, and I look forward to continuing to work with you as we strengthen our profession, support one another and advance mental health care- together.

Dr Astha Tomar
President