A year on since the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide delivered its final report, psychiatrists are urging the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) to commit to renewing the proven Military and Veteran Psychiatry Training Program (MVPTP) beyond 2026 and increasing the number of training posts the program provides.

While welcoming the new Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy released by Minister Matt Keogh today, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) said the strategy's success depends on having enough skilled psychiatrists to deliver specialised care.

The MVPTP provides psychiatry trainees with hands-on experience treating veteran and military patients. The program also helps deliver services in rural and remote areas where access to specialist care is limited.

An external evaluation of the program found it has been extremely effective in achieving its aims. 100 per cent of trainees reported gaining confidence in managing PTSD and trauma-related conditions, with services hosting MVPTP trainees reporting expanded clinical capacity and improved access to care for veterans.

RANZCP President Dr Astha Tomar said significant progress had been made in the year since the Royal Commission's final report, and today's strategy represents another important step forward.

"The final report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recommended that the Australian Government maintain and enhance programs aimed at expanding specialised healthcare services. The strategy released today commits to increased provision and quality of mental health and wellbeing care and support for ADF members," Dr Tomar said.

"But we cannot deliver a strategy without the workforce to implement it. Australia's military and veteran population faces unique mental health challenges that need a sustainable pipeline of mental health workers with specialised training and cultural understanding.”

"Extending and expanding the MVPTP is essential. Without it, we risk losing the pool of future psychiatrists equipped to meet the unique mental health needs of veterans through specialist treatment and care.

"Outcomes show the program works. Nearly all participants said they want to continue working in the veteran mental health space in the evaluation report. 

"We need the government to not just continue but also increase funding for more MVPTP training posts. This will grow the workforce and improve access to the culturally competent care veterans need. 

"We're seeing real progress and can't let that momentum slip away. The government has made strong commitments to improve mental health outcomes for veterans, and we need a culturally trained mental health workforce to deliver on them," Dr Tomar said.

ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org.  

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.