In the lead-up to the Tasmanian election on 19 July, the Tasmania Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) calls on all parties to address mental health workforce shortages, and critical gaps in intellectual disability and forensic mental health services. 

RANZCP Tasmania Branch Chair Adjunct Prof Ben Elijah said it was essential that parties prioritise mental health in their election commitments, to further improve Tasmania’s mental health system, particularly for those with the most complex and severe needs. 

Building on the Liberal Government's investment in mental health infrastructure and services over the past decade, the RANZCP is calling on the parties to address the gaps that remain: 

• Tasmania has Australia's highest rates of intellectual disability, yet lacks a dedicated dual disability mental health service like Victoria
• The state's suicide rate of 14.9 per 100,000 remains well above the national average of 11.8
• Prison mental health services need full integration and resourcing to provide forensic care, particularly for overrepresented populations with intellectual disabilities
• Critical and chronic psychiatry workforce shortages persist, particularly in regional and remote areas

Tasmania has the highest rates of intellectual disability in Australia, yet the state is still relying on two interstate locums to provide specialist mental health care for this population.  

“While Tasmania has made meaningful strides in mental health service delivery over the past decade, we need a better deal for our highest-need patients – those with intellectual disabilities, people in the justice system, and those requiring forensic mental health care.” said A/Prof Ben Elijah 

Workforce shortages mean some of the state's most unwell patients are still facing barriers to care – particularly in remote areas. Patients with intellectual disabilities and comorbid mental health issues have limited access to evidence-based approaches.  

The RANZCP calls on all parties to build on reforms to Tasmania’s mental health system by committing to: 

• Establishing a dedicated statewide intellectual disability mental health service.
• Developing fully integrated and well-resourced forensic mental health services in Tasmania's prisons
• A long-term strategy to address psychiatry and mental health workforce shortages, particularly in regional areas, and working with the Federal Government through programs like the Specialist Training Program
• Strengthened state-federal collaboration to ensure equitable access to specialist care

“Recent Tasmanian government efforts have built a foundation. Now we need the commitment to reach every Tasmanian who needs mental health support,” A/Prof Elijah said. 

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