News
Click the title of a news story to read the full article.
It’s now easier to access and share articles from the College’s two journals
15 October 2019
The College is pleased to announce new ways to share access to journal articles online.
Leading medical authorities ask Parliament to maintain Medevac law
14 October 2019
The presidents of leading medical colleges are united in asking the Australian Parliament to maintain the Medevac legislation and the Independent Health Advice Panel (IHAP) process.
Updated - shortage of Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate)
14 October 2019
Parnate tranylcypromine (as sulphate) 10mg film coated tablet blister pack (AUST R: 174086) is currently unavailable in Australia with supply predicted to be impacted until November 2019.
RANZCP President’s new taskforce to tackle suicide prevention
10 October 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is putting together a new taskforce to better channel the efforts of psychiatry and achieve a meaningful reduction of suicide and deliberate self-harm in our communities.
Where to find CPD help
10 October 2019
Member support is available if you have questions about the CPD program or the My CPD system.
Your first point of call should be My CPD Help, accessed by clicking on the blue tab at the far right of the screen when you are logged into My CPD.
You can also contact the CPD team by email at cpdhelp@ranzcp.org or telephone 1800 337 448 (toll free in Australia) or 0800 443 827 (toll free in New Zealand).
Support for Rural Specialists in Australia: Funding Round 5
02 October 2019
Applications are now open for SRSA Funding Round 5. Grants worth up to $10,000 are available to eligible rural specialists living and working in rural and remote Australia.
RANZCP welcomes Governor-General as Patron
26 September 2019
The RANZCP is pleased to welcome His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of Australia as Patron of the College.
In response to reports on illness associated with vaping
24 September 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) acknowledges recent reports in the United States (US) on incidents of severe respiratory illness and death associated with the use of vaping products.
Psychiatrists hold debate to weed out issues around cannabis referendum
20 September 2019
With the public referendum on the legalisation of the personal use of cannabis at the 2020 general election looming, psychiatrists have taken to the stage to debate the topic at New Zealand’s annual psychiatric conference.
Study finds more needs to be done on dementia awareness
19 September 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is calling for a greater effort in improving dementia awareness, with a focus on providing the information people need, rather than what they already know.
Applications for RANZCP awards, grants and fellowships now open
12 September 2019
$70,000 in research funding, cash prizes, Congress registration, opportunities for publication and presentation, and more, are up for grabs in the 2020 RANZCP awards and grants program.
ANZJP going digital in 2020
09 September 2019
As of January 2020, the ANZJP will move towards a primarily online format with print copies of each issue no longer automatically be sent to members.
The Medical Training Survey (MTS) is now open
04 September 2019
The Medical Training Survey (MTS) is now open.
Are you on track to complete 2019 CPD?
03 September 2019
We are just four months away from the end of the 2019 CPD year.
- CPD activities need to be completed by 31 December 2019
- The extended reporting period will allow you to record your activities on My CPD until 31 March 2020.
World Emotional Trauma Awareness Day
01 September 2019
In 2018, the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) declared 1 September every year ‘World Emotional Trauma Awareness Day’.
Closing soon – Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry Questionnaire
29 August 2019
A reminder to all members that the FFP Questionnaire is closing on Friday 6 September 2019.
New Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy fits hand in glove with wider work of NZ psychiatrists
29 August 2019
The Chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) New Zealand National Committee – Tu Te Akaaka Roa, Dr Mark Lawrence, commends the government on the launch of its new Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy.
Shortage of Lumin (Mianserin hydrochloride)
28 August 2019
Lumin 10 Mianserin hydrochloride 10mg tablet blister pack (AUST R: 55272) and Lumin 20 Mianserin hydrochloride 20mg tablet blister pack (AUST R: 55273) are currently unavailable in Australia.
Third course on trainee support resources now available in Learnit
23 August 2019
The Trainee support resources series developed by the College to complement the Formal Education Courses and support Trainees in learning about key topics is expanding.
Free full-text access to BJPsych and BJPsych Advances for RANZCP members
21 August 2019
Did you know that your RANZCP membership includes free full-text access to The British Journal of Psychiatry(BJPsych), one of the world’s leading psychiatric journals, and BJPsych Advances?
RANZCP President welcomes plans for mental health and suicide prevention
16 August 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the Health Minister Greg Hunt’s announcement that mental health and suicide prevention are at the top of the government’s priorities.
NZ Psychiatrists tautoko Government handling of synthetic drugs Bill
16 August 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the successful passing of Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill through parliament, by the New Zealand Government.
Statement on ethical media practices for psychiatrists
16 August 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) seeks to cultivate and maintain the highest ethical standards.
Psychiatrists support New Zealanders’ views on advertising of prescription medicines
13 August 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) commends New Zealanders and the health sector on expressing a strong preference to ban advertising of prescription medicine.
Relive Congress 2019: professional photo gallery now available
13 August 2019
The professional photo gallery from Congress 2019 is now available.
Congratulations to Associate Professor James Scott on new appointment
07 August 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) wishes to congratulate Associate Professor (A/Prof) James Scott on his appointment to lead the QIMR Berghofer’s Mental Health Program.
2019-2020 mentoring program - expressions of interest open
07 August 2019
Join a mentoring partnership in 2019. The RANZCP 2019-2020 mentoring program is calling for expressions of interest from Fellows in Australia to become mentors, and trainees working in remote areas of Australia or who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to become mentees.
Australian Parliament urged to retain vital medical panel
25 July 2019
The President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), Associate Professor John Allan, has urged the Australian Parliament to continue the Independent Health Advice Panel (IHAP) established earlier this year under the Medevac legislation.
Shortage of Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride)
24 July 2019
Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) is currently unavailable in Australia, with supply predicted to be impacted until March 2020.
Concerns over mental health impact of deportation on NZ nationals
22 July 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is renewing its call to the Australian Government to re-assess its deportation policies and practices when it comes to New Zealand nationals.
The time for alcohol law reform is now
19 July 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) tautoko The New Zealand Medical Journal’s call for the strengthening of alcohol regulations to reduce the negative impact of alcohol on New Zealanders’ mental health and wellbeing.
Productivity Commission report into supporting veterans a step in the right direction
12 July 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the release of the Productivity Commission report A Better Way to Support Veterans into the system of the compensation and rehabilitation for veterans.
New information available on rTMS
09 July 2019
The new Professional Practice Guideline: Administration of repetitive transcranial direct current stimulation (rTMS) outlines a best practice approach that psychiatrists should consider when prescribing and administering rTMS.
Trainee Psychiatrist Skye Kinder named Young Victorian of the Year
08 July 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists congratulates Dr Skye Kinder who has been named the 2019 Young Victorian of the Year.
Highlights from the June issues of ANZJP and Australasian Psychiatry
05 July 2019
The main theme of the June 2019 issue of Australasian Psychiatry is the welfare of doctors and trainees, while the June 2019 issue of ANZJP covers antipsychotics, anorexia nervosa and rTMS.
Workforce shortage hinders fight against ice addiction in WA
01 July 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Western Australian Branch (RANZCP WA Branch) has expressed concern about the increasing use of methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘ice’) across Western Australia (WA) and the lack of specialist addiction psychiatrists to address this burden.
New FRANZCP Insignia for current Fellows of the College
24 June 2019
The new FRANZCP Insignia is now available for use by current Fellows of the College to show their Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
Public mental health confidence crisis not addressed
21 June 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists New South Wales Branch (RANZCP NSW Branch) welcomes the government’s budget commitment to deliver on election promises for perinatal beds and the improvement in eating disorder services.
RANZCP statement in response to death at Fiona Stanley Hospital
21 June 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Western Australian Branch (RANZCP WA Branch) expresses deep sadness at the death of a woman admitted to Perth’s Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH) last week.
An opportunity to lift the wellbeing of all New Zealanders
12 June 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has welcomed the promise by the New Zealand Government of an independent commission to oversee mental health and addiction services.
Highest honours for key contributors to psychiatry and mental health
11 June 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) congratulates those recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list for their service to the field of psychiatry.
Second module on trainee support resources now available in Learnit
07 June 2019
A new module has arrived: Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Psychiatric Ethics (PE) now available in Learnit [member-login required].
Wellbeing Budget 2019 cautiously welcomed by psychiatrists
07 June 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) New Zealand National Committee – Tu Te Akaaka Roa – cautiously welcomed the announcements on mental health and addiction in the Wellbeing Budget 2019.
A step towards remedying Victoria’s psychiatry workforce shortages
29 May 2019
The Victorian Budget 2019–2020 provides welcome measures to ease psychiatry workforce pressures in Victoria’s mental health system, while the recommendations of the current royal commission are awaited.
New Psychiatry Jobs Hub launched
28 May 2019
The College is pleased to introduce the Psychiatry Jobs Hub, which connects talented professionals with top psychiatric career opportunities.
QLD psychiatrists call for extra community mental health funding
22 May 2019
Community mental health services in Queensland have insufficient staff to carry out their work, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Queensland Branch (RANZCP QLD Branch) has warned.
Associate Professor John Allan assumes RANZCP presidency
21 May 2019
The RANZCP’s new President, Associate Professor John Allan, officially took up his role at the conclusion of the annual general meeting held during the RANZCP 2019 Congress last week in Cairns.
Psychiatrists look forward to working with re-elected government
21 May 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) congratulates Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the re-election of the Coalition Government on the weekend.
Trainee support resources now available in Learnit
14 May 2019
First module of ten for trainees to complement the Formal Education Courses is now available in Learnit.
WA Government Meth Plan positive but action needed now, psychiatrists say
09 May 2019
The Western Australian Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP WA Branch) welcomes the announcement by Premier Mark McGowan of the investment of $42.5 million in addressing the harm caused by methamphetamine.
RANZCP calls for urgent action on crisis mental health care for all
09 May 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) along with other peak bodies, health professionals, people with lived experience of mental illness and carers calls on governments to urgently improve the quality of crisis mental health care for all Australians.
Advertising medicines more likely to cause harm than benefit
08 May 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) strongly opposes the targeted advertising of prescription medicines and medical devices directly to end users.
Board Announcement - Casual Vacancy Outcome
07 May 2019
We are pleased to confirm the outcome of the ballot conducted by the Board, to appoint a Fellow to the position of RANZCP Board Director (casual vacancy), that has arisen following the election of Dr Vinay Lakra to the position of President-Elect.
RANZCP calls for shift in mental health system design and investment
03 May 2019
Even though almost half (45%) of all Australians experience one or more mental illness in their lifetime, less than half of those (46%) access treatment each year.
Submissions open for Royal Commission into mental health
02 May 2019
The Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System has announced that submissions are now open. You are invited to contribute to the RANZCP Victorian branch's formal submission.
Mental health and addiction faces four challenges
01 May 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ (RANZCP) New Zealand National Committee – Tu Te Akaaka Roa – tautoko the key principles in the Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry’s report, He Ara Oranga, but identified four high-level priority areas not yet given sufficient attention.
College statement in response to Sri Lanka attacks
23 April 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) expresses its deep concern and sadness at the senseless and brutal attacks that occurred in Sri Lanka, on Easter Sunday.
RANZCP welcomes Ms Moe Milne as Kaumātua
18 April 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) extends a warm welcome to Ms Moe Milne as recently appointed Kaumātua.
Final report on review of the family law system
15 April 2019
The Australian Law Reform Commission’s (ALRC) report, Family Law for the Future: An Inquiry into the Family Law System was tabled in Parliament yesterday by Attorney-General Christian Porter MP.
Faculty of Psychotherapy 2019 Conference: Early bird registration extended
15 April 2019
Early bird registration has been extended and will now close on Tuesday 23 April 2019 at 5 pm (AEST) for the RANZCP Faculty of Psychotherapy 2019 Conference.
Apply now – Scholarly Project grants for trainees in an STP or IRTP post
12 April 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has grants of up to $750 available for trainees working in a post funded by the Specialist Training Program (STP), including Integrated Rural Training Pipeline (IRTP) posts.
Report shows stark reality of Victoria’s mental health system
12 April 2019
Victorian Branch Chair Richard Newton responds to the Victorian Auditor General's report, Access to Mental Health Services.
2018 Certificates of CPD completion are now available
11 April 2019
Certificates of CPD completion are now available for members who have not been selected for the annual audit.
New ECT guidelines help psychiatrists to improve patient outcomes
11 April 2019
The RANZCP has published new Professional Practice Guidelines (PPG) to provide practical guidance for psychiatrists prescribing and administering electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Call for nominations – RANZCP Board Director (casual vacancy)
05 April 2019
The RANZCP is now calling for nominations to fill the casual vacancy on the RANZCP Board for a Director.
The benefits of e-mental health treatments and interventions – new RANZCP position statement
04 April 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has released a new position statement outlining the benefits and issues associated with e-mental health tools.
RANZCP Foundation to be launched at 2019 Congress
04 April 2019
The College is pleased to announce that the newly established RANZCP Foundation will officially be launched at Congress 2019 by President-Elect, Associate Professor John Allan.
RANZCP welcomes $736.6 million investment to improve mental health
03 April 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the $736.6 million investment in mental health announced last night in the Government’s 2019–2020 federal budget.
2019 RANZCP President-Elect election outcome
01 April 2019
The ballot to elect the President-Elect closed on 21 March 2019. Dr Vinay Lakra has been elected to the position of President-Elect.
Victorian Royal Commission community consultation sessions announced
29 March 2019
This week the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System launched its website and announced that the first round of community consultations will begin in early April.
Chronic pain is a mental health issue, too
28 March 2019
Debilitating chronic pain affects more than 1 in 5 New Zealanders and is increasing among New Zealanders who are over 55, particularly for Māori, according to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
Canadian, New Zealand and Australian medical colleges unite in support of gender equality (Tri-Nation Alliance)
22 March 2019
The Tri-Nations Alliance, comprising of five medical colleges, spanning Australia, New Zealand and Canada, are gathering in Auckland today at the International Medical Symposium (IMS) to jointly sign the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles Statement.
Raising awareness on national Close the Gap Day
21 March 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) supports Close the Gap Day as an important opportunity to reflect on the social and health disparities present between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
A message from the New Zealand National Committee of the RANZCP
20 March 2019
The New Zealand National Committee (Tu Te Akaaka Roa) of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) views the brutal and racist attack on two mosques in Christchurch as an attack on all citizens of New Zealand.
RANZCP statement in response to the Christchurch shootings
15 March 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) expresses its concern and deep sadness at the terrifying events in Christchurch this afternoon.
RANZCP Fellow appointed commissioner to royal commission
06 March 2019
The College congratulates RANZCP Fellow, Dr Alex Cockram, on her appointment as a Commissioner of the Victorian Royal Commission into Mental Health.
RANZCP President launches Competency Standards Framework for Clinicians
28 February 2019
The RANZCP President and Chair of the Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, Dr Kym Jenkins, has launched a new Competency Standards Framework for Clinicians at the RANZCP Head Office.
Register for Congress 2019 by 1 March and pay the early bird rate
26 February 2019
Book your place at RANZCP 2019 Congress now to avoid missing out on early bird registration – closing this Friday 1 March 2019.
RANZCP welcomes terms of reference and appointment of commissioners
25 February 2019
The Victorian Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP Victorian Branch) welcomes the terms of reference and the commissioners appointed to lead Victoria's first Royal Commission into Mental Health.
Independent Health Advice Panel
20 February 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has received a request from the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs regarding the establishment of an Independent Health Advice Panel.
The College welcomes new Executive Manager for Education and Training
19 February 2019
We welcome Ms Anna Lyubomirsky to her new role as Executive Manager, Education and Training, with the College.
Continuing to practice and support reconciliation
13 February 2019
Today, Wednesday 13 February 2019, marks the 11th anniversary of former prime minister Kevin Rudd’s apology on behalf of the Australian Government to the Stolen Generations whose lives had been blighted by past government policies of forced child removal and Indigenous assimilation.
Exam preparation grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees
12 February 2019
Grants of up to $3,000 are available to access exam preparation workshops in 2019 and 2020. Apply now.
President-Elect elections – update
11 February 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is conducting an election for the position of President-Elect on the RANZCP Board.
President-Elect voting now open
11 February 2019
Voting is now open for the RANZCP President-Elect.
Interested in joining a RANZCP committee? Nominations are open
30 January 2019
Nominations for a variety of College committee positions are now open.
InTrain is now live for Australian trainees
30 January 2019
RANZCP’s new online training administration system, InTrain, is now available for all Australian trainees. InTrain allows for the online submission and approval of key training documents, replacing the current paper-based system.
InTrain webinars for supervisors and trainees
25 January 2019
The College will be releasing its new training administration system, InTrain, in Australia for the start of the February 2019 rotation. InTrain has already released for New Zealand trainees and supervisors.
Register now for IMS 2019: ‘Visioning the impact of advanced technology on medical education’
23 January 2019
At the Tri-Nation Alliance annual International Medical Symposium (IMS 2019), speakers from around the world will share their knowledge and experience of how technology is changing the way we approach medical education.
RANZCP supports the introduction of pill-testing trials for harm reduction
22 January 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) recognises the public health benefits of pill-testing services as part of a harm reduction approach to drug policy in Australia and New Zealand.
Health bodies declare Aboriginal youth suicide an urgent national priority (NACCHO, RACP)
17 January 2019
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) are calling on the Prime Minister to make tackling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicides a national health priority.
Queensland doctors call on State Government to save lives (ACEM, acrrm, RACGP, AMAQld)
05 December 2018
Representing more than 53,000 medical professionals, Queensland’s peak doctor groups have united to demand decisive action from the Queensland government on mental health mandatory reporting laws to stop doctor suicides.
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