With the state’s shortage of psychiatrists expected to intensify over the next 3 to 5 years, South Australian psychiatrists have welcomed the State Government’s workforce investment in today’s Budget. 

Linked to the recently released SA Psychiatry Workforce Plan, the State Government will provide dedicated funding for 6 additional psychiatry training positions. An additional 6 consultant psychiatrist positions will also be funded, linked to the 72 new recovery and rehabilitation beds anticipated to open in late 2025.  

Dr Patrick Clarke, Chair of the RANZCP’s SA Branch, said workforce shortages continue to put immense strain on the health system, and today’s investment will have an immediate impact on the community and workforce. 

“Too many South Australians can’t access vital mental health care. The reality is, workforce shortages pose an unacceptable risk to patients, the community, and the practitioners on the frontline providing care,” said Dr Clarke.  

“When health services get funding for more psychiatry trainees, it immediately grows their capacity to deliver mental healthcare to the community. Those trainees – qualified medical doctors – are working with senior psychiatrists providing care to the community from day one.  

“It’s also an important signal for the workforce – who are under significant strain – that the Government is listening and taking action.  

“To grow the workforce, we need to protect and support the people currently working in the system.  

“Unfortunately, around 8 in 10 psychiatrists in South Australia have experienced burnout symptoms in recent years, with 80% reporting that workforce shortages are a contributing factor. 

Against the backdrop of an Australia-wide psychiatry workforce shortage, in April this year the SA Government released its Psychiatry Workforce Plan to future-proof the state’s provision of high-quality psychiatric care.  

“Psychiatry workforce shortages are a national issue. But, thanks to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton, our state is on the front foot of a national crisis.  

“Today’s Budget will help grow the psychiatry workforce and build on the targeted international and interstate recruitment drive announced in April.  

“Next, we need to see the plan’s recommendations fully funded and tangibly implemented to ensure South Australia remains ahead of the curve,” said Dr Clarke.  

From today’s budget, the Branch has also welcomed a number of new commitments, including:

• $13.9 million over five years to continue and expand the Mental Health Co-Responder Program across metropolitan Adelaide
• $7.3 million over four years to improve efficiency of SACAT hearings to assist in timely discharge of patients from hospital into residential aged-care facilities 
• $2.1 million over five years to support the Office for Autism to help address the barriers for autism assessment and diagnosis 
• $2.5 million for essential, on-the-ground mental health resources and support for individuals and communities affected by the current drought
• Ensuring the Budget’s new residential housing initiatives include a significant proportion of affordable housing. This will support vulnerable South Australians accessing stable and secure housing which is a central component in mental health recovery and protection. 
• A further $135.1 million over three years for social housing projects supporting the Commonwealth Government's Housing Australia Future Fund.
• $42.9 million over four years in partnership with the Commonwealth Government to support older people transition to residential aged care facilities to reduce bed block.
  
  

Media enquiries: Contact Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or media@ranzcp.org  

For all other expert mental health information visit Your Health in Mind, the RANZCP’s consumer health information website. 

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org. 

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au. 

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.