Kia ū ki te whanaungatanga means to hold fast to connections and relationships.

Reporting directly to the Board, the Practice, Policy and Partnerships Committee (PPPC) oversees several constituent committees including the Committee for Research, Committee for Evidence-Based Practice, Committee for Ethical and Professional Practice, Community Collaboration Committee, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Committee, Te Kaunihera, the International Projects Committee, the work of College Faculties, Sections and Networks, and select working groups and steering groups.

Together, these committees – and all members who willingly dedicate their time and passion – play a critical role in shaping policy, strengthening partnerships, embedding lived experience, and advancing culturally safe and evidence-based psychiatric practice.

Over the past year, 80 policy submissions at the bi-national, state and territory levels were completed, and more than 15 policy documents were reviewed or developed, including the College’s position statement on Safe, comprehensive, and equitable ADHD care.  

Workforce advocacy has been a key priority for the PPPC, culminating in the College hosting a Workforce Summit last year, where members from across Aotearoa and Australia, and key stakeholders including Federal Government and NGO representatives, convened to discuss workforce planning and explore how psychiatrists can be better supported to serve our communities.

The Committee for Research oversaw the delivery of the Beverley Raphael New Investigator Grant and the Early Research Career Grant, working closely with the RANZCP Foundation to support research opportunities, including the Foundation Catalyst Grant. We supported members with over $40,000 in research grants and over $120,000 to advance the training pathways of First Nations trainees. The Committee continues to advocate for academic psychiatrists across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Committee for Evidence Based Practice published the RANZCP Best Practice Resources (BPR) Framework which outlines the College’s approach to endorsing, adapting, and developing BPRs. This framework and process will be key to ensuring that members have access to high-quality, contemporary, evidence-informed resources to guide their practice. The Committee also played a vital role in College advocacy for best practices in medications and therapies and promoting affordable and accessible high-quality psychiatric care. Notably, the College successfully advocated for a label extension for lamotrigine in bipolar disorder under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, expanding treatment paths for patients.

The Committee for Ethical and Professional Practice progressed several policy and advocacy priorities, including the ongoing update of the College’s Code of Ethics. It also developed resources to guide members on the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence in psychiatry and contributed to the College’s updated Private Practice Resources in collaboration with the Section of Private Practice Psychiatry Committee. The Committee has also led advocacy to improve the visibility of psychiatry services under Australia’s Better Access Scheme, resulting in updated GP guidance materials and MBS resource fact sheets that better promote psychiatry services to medical practitioners and the community.

Led by the Community Collaboration Committee, our Lived and Living Experience Strategy was launched at Congress in May 2025, increasing its visibility across the College and reinforcing our commitment to embedding lived experience in our work. We welcomed two Lived Experience Senior Advisors, who are helping us meaningfully implement the Strategy by engaging with leaders, building relationships, testing approaches, and raising awareness. The Committee also held a workshop on generative AI, gathering insights from a lived and living experience perspective, which will inform the College’s development of a position statement on generative AI.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Committee supported the proposal to replace the CEQ exam with a longitudinal critical reflection activity incorporating lived experience and First Nations perspectives. It also contributed to new cultural training modules and orientation resources, strengthened recruitment strategies, and endorsed scholarships and presentations that elevate First Nations leadership and visibility in psychiatry.

Te Kaunihera strengthened its governance through a shared leadership model, and enhanced representation with new appointments. As part of PIF New Zealand initiatives, a new logo reflecting Māori cultural symbolism was launched, and dedicated funding was proposed to support Māori member attendance at wānanga. Te Kaunihera continues to champion the College’s cultural safety efforts, including advocating for Māori leadership in a binational cultural safety framework, embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in internal processes, and contributing to accreditation standards with a focus on cultural safety. A 2025 wānanga held in Ōtepoti (Dunedin) emphasised culturally safe supervision and Māori mentorship, with feedback highlighting the importance of senior Māori mentors, peer support and kaumātua-led pastoral care.

In 2025, the International Projects Committee was established under the Practice, Policy and Partnerships Committee, reflecting the College’s growing strategic focus on international collaboration. It brings together a diverse and experienced group of Fellows and trainees, who are helping shape a broad portfolio of initiatives to share educational resources, develop training programs, and offer mentoring support to our international community.

Over the past year, College Faculties, Sections and Networks (FSNs) across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand have continued to demonstrate the breadth, depth and impact of member-led work. Regular newsletters, sector updates and online resources have further strengthened engagement and accessibility for members across various career stages. The Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Academic Series was introduced last year and currently runs once a month with guest speakers presenting on a topic. The monthly ADHD Grand Rounds hosted by the ADHD Network have proven quite popular with members.

FSNs also contributed to the development and review of position statements and discussion papers. Another defining strength of FSNs is their ability to translate clinical expertise into informed advocacy. Several committee members engaged with external stakeholders and governments, and stepped up as RANZCP spokespeople in the media, ensuring that psychiatry’s voice is heard, amplifying our influence on mental health reform.

Looking ahead

The Board recognises the significant voluntary contribution of committee Chairs and members, and the value they bring to the College and the profession. As mentioned in the most recent President’s Update, in 2026, we are embarking on decisive governance reform following significant reflection and consistent feedback from the membership and Australian Medical Council.

As the College continues to evolve, there are strong opportunities to further enhance coordination across groups and better align committee priorities with overall organisational goals. Together, we will continue to shape the future of psychiatry and support members to deliver the best possible care.

Me mahi tahi tātou, let’s continue to work together!
Ngā manaakitanga - Warm regards,

Ngā manaakitanga - Warm regards,

Dr Mark Lawrence 
Board Director 
Chair of the Practice, Policy and Partnerships Committee