The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is deeply concerned by the Auditor-General's findings and the lack of progress in reforming the Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health System (ICAMHS).

The ICAMHS Taskforce report, released in 2022, was a landmark review into how the WA public health system cares for the mental health of infants, children and adolescents. The state government committed to implementing all 32 of its recommendations. The Auditor-General's report, released today, found only one recommendation has been completed.

The following comments are attributed to RANZCP WA Branch spokesperson Dr Eileen Tay:

"Children, young people and families across Western Australia have been let down by poor implementation, reactive leadership and a lack of transparency. It is deeply disappointing that consumers continue to face the same barriers to care that existed when the Taskforce report was first released.

"The RANZCP WA Branch warned in 2022 that the workforce crisis and governance arrangements would be major barriers to meaningful progress. 

“Despite repeated reports documenting the scale of psychiatric workforce shortages, we remain disappointed about the lack of coordinated workforce planning or investment to address them. 

“Psychiatrists continue to work under extreme pressure, facing daily unmanaged risk and the ongoing effects of moral injury.

"Real progress requires adequate investment, seamless service integration and focused governance. System-wide change is urgently needed to restore community trust and ensure young people receive the safe, timely and effective support they need."

Read the RANZCP WA Branch submission to the Auditor-General.

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.