Media centre
As the principal organisation representing psychiatrists in Australia and New Zealand, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) can put the media in touch with psychiatrists in relation to stories on mental health issues.
A range of psychiatrists are available to comment on issues relevant to psychiatry and mental health.
Media enquiries
Sarah Carr
Advisor, Media and Communications
T +61 (0)3 9601 4981
M +61 437 315 911
media@ranzcp.org
Media access to RANZCP Journals
Contact media@ranzcp.org to request full text of any article in Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry or Australasian Psychiatry for media use.
Joint statements
► NSW Government delay on Ice Inquiry recommendations is costing lives
(Joint statement with RACP, RACGP, AMA NSW)
► Family, domestic and sexual violence - A perspective from the future
(Joint statement with University of Sydney, Illawarra Women's Healt Clinic, Medecins sans Frontieres)
► Significant hospital wait times a symptom of systemic failure
(Joint statement with ACEM)
► An open letter to all Victorians
(Joint statement)
► Medical decisions should be made by medical professionals
(Joint statement with ACEM, ADC, ACSEP, ACRRM, ANZCA, CICM, RACP, RACMA, RACGP, RANZCOG, RANZCP and RANZCR)
► Leading medical authorities ask Parliament to maintain Medevac law
(Joint statement with RACP, ACEM, ACD, ACRRM, ANZCA, CICM, RACMA, RACGP, RANZCOG and RANZCR)
► Health bodies declare aboriginal youth suicide an urgent national priority
(Joint statement with NACCHO and RACP)
► Queensland doctors call on State Government to save lives
(Joint statement with ACEM, ACRRM, RACGP and AMAQld )
► Canadian, New Zealand and Australian medical colleges unite in support of gender equality
(Joint statement as part of the Tri-nation alliance)
Media releases
15 October 2021
The RANZCP has called for the minimum age of criminal responsibility to be raised in New Zealand.
07 October 2021
A joint statement on the NSW Ice Inquiry with RACP, RACGP and AMA NSW.
29 September 2021
A recent survey shows that specialist mental health and addiction services are currently under significant stress in Aotearoa.
22 September 2021
Psychiatrists from all over New Zealand, have dialled in virtually to the RANZCP 2021 New Zealand Conference to discuss the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
16 September 2021
Mental health professionals from all over New Zealand and abroad will dial in for the RANZCP 3-day 2021 New Zealand Conference from 22-24 September 2021.
09 September 2021
The RANZCP WA Branch has welcomed the mental health measures handed down in the Western Australian State Budget 2021-22 as a good start and a promising sign.
01 September 2021
The RANZCP has described the impact of COVID restrictions, on the mental health and wellbeing of our communities as very concerning.
31 August 2021
The RANZCP has welcomed the development of the new Victorian Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2021.
27 August 2021
The RANZCP Tasmanian Branch has welcomed the mental health announcements included in the Tasmanian Budget 2021-22.
25 August 2021
The RANZCP has expressed concerns for the humanitarian and mental health crisis emerging after the resurgence of Taliban activity in Afghanistan.
19 August 2021
The RANZCP Victorian Branch has expressed deep concern for the mental health and wellbeing of our state’s youth.
05 August 2021
The RANZCP has called on the Federal Government to implement MBS item numbers for the delivery of psychiatry services to private hospital inpatients via telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
03 August 2021
The RANZCP welcomes the New Zealand Government’s apology for the Dawn Raids.
30 June 2021
The RANZCP has reminded people to check in with their mental health and wellbeing during this difficult time.
23 June 2021
The RANZCP Vic Branch has welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision to extend the consultation period for the review of the Mental Health Act.
22 June 2021
The RANZCP NSW Branch has applauded the New South Wales Government’s funding announcements for mental health, handed down in the NSW State Budget 2021-2022.
22 June 2021
The RANZCP SA Branch has welcomed the $163 million mental health package handed down in the South Australian State Budget 2021-22 as a good start and a promising sign, however emphasised much more will be needed to fix the system.
21 June 2021
The RANZCP NSW Branch has congratulated Minister Taylor, Premier Berejiklian and Treasurer Perottet on this critical investment in MH services for children and adolescents in NSW.
16 June 2021
The RANZCP Qld Branch has criticised the Queensland Government on the lack of mental health support outlined in the State Budget 2021-22.
10 June 2021
The RANZCP has urged the Queensland Government to commit to a clear and comprehensive strategy for reform of the Queensland mental health system in the upcoming State Budget.
09 June 2021
The RANZCP has called upon the Federal Government to reunite the Biloela family as the youngest daughter receives medical care in Perth.
08 June 2021
The RANZCP has expressed its concern regarding the recent news of the imminent closure of the Danila Dilba Clinic to new patients.
31 May 2021
The RANZCP is pleased to partner with the Federal Government to develop training resources for psychiatrists and other medical professionals in nicotine cessation.
27 May 2021
The RANZCP Qld Branch has called upon the Queensland Government for an urgent review of the state’s mental health system.
27 May 2021
The RANZCP encourages residents of Victoria to keep their mental health and wellbeing top of mind as we go into a 7-day snap lockdown.
25 May 2021
The RANZCP has encouraged those eligible to go out and get vaccinated for COVID-19.
21 May 2021
The RANZCP applauds the government’s record funding announced in today’s budget, that will improve access to mental health care for all Victorians.
20 May 2021
Associate Professor Vinay Lakra said his main priorities are progression to fellowship for trainees and SIMGs and raising the profile of psychiatry and advancing its voice in the mental and physical health sectors.
19 May 2021
A panel of psychiatrists led by RANZCP President Associate Professor John Allan has gathered to discuss the issues facing the psychiatric workforce in Australia and New Zealand.
18 May 2021
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has, today, launched the RANZCP Rural Psychiatry Roadmap 2021-31: A pathway to equitable and sustainable rural mental health services committed to addressing and supporting regional, rural, and remote psychiatry training pathways.
17 May 2021
Executive Clinical Director of Turning Point and Director of Monash Addiction Research Centre, at Monash University, Professor Dan Lubman AM spoke at the RANZCP 2021 Congress on the power of using real stories to change our conversations around addiction.
14 May 2021
The RANZCP has congratulated Premier Peter Gutwein and his party on their re-election to government.
12 May 2021
The RANZCP has welcomed several announcements, aimed at strengthening and supporting the mental health sector, with millions of funding toward psychiatry.
12 May 2021
The RANZCP has welcomed the confirmed extension of the COVID-19 telehealth psychiatry items announced in last night’s Federal Budget 2021-22.
12 May 2021
The RANZCP has welcomed the Government’s announcement of $288.5 million to list Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) therapy for patients with medication-resistant major depressive disorder.
07 May 2021
The RANZCP SA Branch has welcomed the government’s announcement of immediate measures to help ease demand on the mental health system but looks forward to more significant commitment for a greater impact.
05 May 2021
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has called on the Federal Government to consider all options to help Australians stranded in India.
27 April 2021
The RANZCP has applauded the Federal Government’s announcement on the extension of temporary COVID-19 telehealth services under the Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) until the end of 2021.
22 April 2021
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Queensland Branch has called on the Queensland Government for more funding for mental health services to meet increased demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
16 April 2021
The RANZCP has backed Professor Mendoza’s call for a crisis plan to manage the ‘pandemic surge’ in the mental health system, but emphasised the deeper issues that must be addressed.
13 April 2021
A statement from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists on veteran suicide.
08 April 2021
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) have called on the South Australian Government to get their house in order and get real about mental health.
31 March 2021
The RANZCP has called on the Federal Government to extend COVID-19 telehealth, under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), until at least the end of the year.
29 March 2021
The RANZCP welcomes the release of the ‘Missing Middle’ Reports today launched by Lived Experience Australia.
25 March 2021
The RANZCP Western Australia Branch has warned the WA Government that their plans for increased mental health beds comes with great risk without additional supporting resources.
24 March 2021
The RANZCP has urged the Australian Government to reconsider the controversial 501 deportation policy.
24 March 2021
The RANZCP has urged the Australian Government to reconsider the controversial 501 deportation policy.
19 March 2021
The RANZCP seeks to caution journalists and media outlets on the importance of correct and sensitive reporting on mental health in the media.
19 March 2021
The RANZCP has issued a statement of support for survivors of sexual abuse or rape, with the recent high profile coverage greatly increasing the risk of retraumatisation.
17 March 2021
The RANZCP has welcomed today’s announcement of a $15 million competitive grant round for Australian clinical trials of potential breakthrough therapies for mental illness.
11 March 2021
The RANZCP South Australian Branch echoes concerns about deficiencies in the SA health system and calls for fundamental changes outlined in their 2021-22 budget submission – Prioritising South Australia’s mental health.
03 March 2021
The RANZCP has called on the Western Australian Government and Opposition to follow in Victoria’s footsteps and commit to providing effective, community based mental health crisis, assessment and short-term treatment options as part of their policy platform in the upcoming election.
01 March 2021
The RANZCP has signalled its overall support for the recently released Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety report, Care, Dignity and Respect.
19 February 2021
The RANZCP taskforce on suicide prevention has released a new position statement.
15 February 2021
The RANZCP is calling for mental health to be a top priority in the upcoming state election, especially the severe workforce shortage that Western Australia is experiencing in the mental health sector.
05 February 2021
The RANZCP Victorian Branch welcomes the passing of the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill 2020 as an important step in ensuring LGBTIQ+ conversion therapy is no longer practiced in Victoria.
02 February 2021
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Victorian Branch has raised concerns about the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill 2020 being put forward to Parliament.
15 December 2020
The President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), Associate Professor John Allan, has welcomed the report’s findings, culminating five year’s work on how health services can better align with clinical evidence and practice to improve patient outcomes.
07 December 2020
With the Western Australian election only three months away, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Western Australia Branch has called on the Government to provide access, for all Western Australians, to a high-quality mental health system which can provide a seamless continuum of care, from acute crisis care to ongoing recovery and rehabilitation services in the community.
04 December 2020
The RANZCP Queensland Branch welcomed the Labor Government’s commitment of $979 million to building better hospitals while reiterating the call for more investment in the mental health and wellbeing of Queenslanders.
01 December 2020
The COVID-19 global pandemic and its impacts on the country’s mental health has taken centre stage on day two of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ (RANZCP) annual conference, held in Napier this year.
30 November 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has commended the Federal Government on the announcement of their intention to make telehealth permanently available to Australians.
23 November 2020
The RANZCP has called on investigators, and the Federal Government, to be mindful of the mental health issues and possible trauma that could be triggered by the recent announcement to investigate alleged wrongdoing by military personnel.
20 November 2020
RANZCP President, Associate Professor John Allan has warned the Federal Government that the mental health system cannot survive without significant investment.
17 November 2020
The RANZCP Tasmania Branch has welcomed the state government’s investment in the Tasmanian mental health system.
17 November 2020
The Andrew’s Government announced $5.3 billion Big Housing Build to be included in next week’s State Budget 2020-21.
16 November 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has welcomed the Productivity Commission, Mental Health, Inquiry Report and cautioned that the report’s release has come not a moment too soon.
13 November 2020
The RANZCP Victorian Branch has welcomed the Victorian Government’s firm commitment to funding recommendations made in the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System Interim Report.
13 November 2020
The RANZCP South Australian Branch has welcomed the $15.1 million allocated in this year’s State Budget to provide increased short-term mental health services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
12 November 2020
The RANZCP Victorian Branch has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement of funding for specialist training roles in child and adolescent psychiatry to address shortages in this area.
09 November 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Queensland Branch congratulates and welcomes the re-election of Deputy Premier Steven Miles and his reappointment as Health Minister.
09 November 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is marking the week with the celebration of psychiatrists, trainees and Psychiatry Interest Forum members who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
28 October 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Northern Territory Branch has called on the NT Government to take a cue from Churchill and ‘action this day’ the rescue of Mental Health Service funding from decades of neglect.
22 October 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the appointment of the two new board directors, Professor Helen Milroy and Dr Jason Lee, both psychiatrists, to the Beyond Blue board.
20 October 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Queensland Branch welcomes the government’s $100 million announced to support the mental health of all school students if it is re-elected.
12 October 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has welcomed new Budget initiatives to strengthen the capacity of the healthcare workforce to provide more timely, seamless and high quality services to veterans and their families.
07 October 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has used the federal government’s announcement of additional allocations for mental health funding in the 2020–21 Budget to reaffirm its call for more fundamental system reform.
05 October 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has called on the government to put mental health planning and spending high on the list of priorities.
► View older media releases in our News Archive.