News

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2023 RANZCP Board: Appointed Director, Trainee

17 March 2023

Nominations are open for the Appointed Director, Trainee position on the RANZCP Board, closing Tuesday 11 April 2023.

CPD reporting closes 31 March 2023

14 March 2023

Important dates for 2022 CPD completion.

NSW mental health workers unite to call for urgent action ahead of state election

14 March 2023

A first-hand account from the frontline of New South Wales’ mental health sector has described a system of chaos, confusion, fiscal neglect and fragmentation, in a new report released today.

Review of evidence for long term psychodynamic psychotherapy in the treatment of mood disorders

09 March 2023

The College Board has established the Mood Disorders Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Evidence Review Steering Group (the Steering Group) to commission a review on the evidence for long term psychodynamic psychotherapy in the treatment of mood disorders.

Psychiatrists call for women-only mental health facilities in Victoria

08 March 2023

Psychiatrists are calling on the Victorian Government to introduce women-only mental health facilities to address the unacceptable incidences of violence against women in the system.

International Women's Day 2023

08 March 2023

International Women's Day 2023

Eating disorder care needs to be collaborative, respectful: psychiatrists

28 February 2023

Care for people with eating disorders needs to be recovery-oriented, multi-disciplinary and collaborative, the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists says.

Congratulations to our first round of 2023 College award winners

27 February 2023

Each year, the College presents a variety of awards and grants to members and external individuals or organisations to acknowledge outstanding achievements and contributions to psychiatry, the community and the College.

2023 RANZCP President-Elect Election Voting

22 February 2023

Voting is now open for College Fellows to elect the President-Elect on the RANZCP Board.

RANZCP to take part in the WorldPride 2023 parade, in support of LGBTIQ+ mental health

21 February 2023

A disproportionate number of Australia and New Zealand’s LGBTIQ+ people experience mental illness and psychological distress.

Message from the Chair

20 February 2023

Welcome to the first edition for 2023. It’s time to finish off the recording of 2022 CPD by 31 March and to begin the new year of CPD.

Cultural safety and health equity in CPD

20 February 2023

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists promotes and advocates for the rights of Māori, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander people to culturally appropriate, accessible, equitable, and effective psychiatric care.

Reflective practice

20 February 2023

Contemporary CPD has an increased focus on 'reflective practice' and the new Australian registration standard reflects this change.

Practice peer review (PPR)

20 February 2023

Applications to participate in round 1 of 2023 PPR are now open.

Ongoing CPD requirements for rTMS

20 February 2023

Psychiatrist responsibilities when claiming the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for rTMS services.

RANZCP Opportunity – Becoming a Psychotherapy Written Case or Scholarly Project examiner

20 February 2023

The College is actively recruiting Fellows to support trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates in their progression to Fellowship in 2023. You can apply to become an examiner for the Psychotherapy Written Case (PWC) or the Scholarly Project (SP).

How I meet my CPD requirements

20 February 2023

I have been a psychiatrist for the past 30 years working in a variety of public and private settings in the UK and Australia since 2003.

Around 3 in 4 children with severe mental health disorder missing out on valuable support

15 February 2023

Approximately three in every four children identified with a severe mental health disorder are missing out on access to child mental health specialists, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists estimates.

Maintaining the highest ethical standards

14 February 2023

The RANZCP welcomes the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority’s (AHPRA) commitment to increase patient protection against misconduct.

Change to classification of psilocybin and MDMA

06 February 2023

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has announced from 1 July 2023, psychiatrists who are specifically authorised under the TGA’s Authorised Prescriber scheme will be able to prescribe medicines containing the psychedelic substances psilocybin and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) for the treatment of certain mental health conditions.

Apply now for Practice Peer Review

01 February 2023

Applications for 2023 Practice Peer Review (PPR) - Round 1 - are open during the month of February.

RANZCP Fellows recognised in Australia Day 2023 Honours List

27 January 2023

RANZCP Fellows recognised in Australia Day 2023 Honours List

Apply now for the 2023 RANZCP Mentoring Program

23 January 2023

We’re pleased to announce that applications for mentors and mentees participate in the RANZCP Mentoring Program have now opened.

Planning begins for RANZCP Diploma of Psychiatry

16 December 2022

The RANZCP is in the planning stages for the development of a new qualification, the Diploma of Psychiatry. The Diploma will ensure a broader range of medical practitioners can access expert training and education in psychiatry and mental health.

Changes to CPD for 2023

15 December 2022

The Medical Board of Australia has announced changes to CPD requirements for Australian doctors.

These changes apply to all RANZCP Members completing CPD in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand and come into effect from 1 January 2023.

RANZCP expresses concern for global human rights violations

08 December 2022

The RANZCP is proud to work in two countries with strong commitments to human rights.

Announcing the RANZCP’s new CEO, Ms Sharon McGowan

06 December 2022

The RANZCP is delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Sharon McGowan as our new Chief Executive Officer.

RANZCP welcomes launch of Rural Psychiatry Training program in WA

05 December 2022

The peak body of psychiatrists has welcomed the Rural Psychiatry Training program being launched in Western Australia today.

RANZCP welcomes ban on LGBTQIA+ conversion therapy in WA

05 December 2022

The peak body of psychiatrists has welcomed the decision made by the Western Australia Government to ban LGBTQIA+ conversion therapy in the state.

RANZCP welcomes Coalition election commitment

25 November 2022

The peak body for psychiatrists has welcomed Victorian Liberal and National parties’ election commitment to deliver more than 200,000 additional psychiatry appointments and fund 168 new trainee positions as part of their Mental Health Workforce Strategy.

RANZCP welcomes Labor election commitment to local mental health services

18 November 2022

The peak body for psychiatrists has welcomed Victorian Labor Party’s election commitment to deliver 50-60 new local mental health services but has noted ongoing concerns about lack of clinical workforce, especially psychiatrists, which will present major challenges to the success of services.

Take advantage of your RANZCP discount to the PEP-Web psychoanalytic e-library

16 November 2022

As a RANZCP member, you can access the PEP-Web psychoanalytic e-library in 2023 for heavily discounted rates, starting at A$88.

2023 RANZCP President-Elect Election

10 November 2022

Nominations for the President-Elect position on the RANZCP Board are now open, and close on Wednesday 7 December at 5pm AEDT.

A positive start for affordable mental health treatment; more to be done

26 October 2022

The peak body for psychiatrists, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), welcomes key mental health initiatives to improve affordable access to mental health treatment within the interim Australian Federal budget.

Psychiatrists call on Victorian Government to urgently review safety of mental health care settings

18 October 2022

Victoria’s current public mental health and wellbeing system lacks capacity, both in terms of infrastructure and workforce, to manage its core business - caring for those with mental illness and psychological distress, the peak body for psychiatrists in Victoria says.

Renewed commitment to bulk billed telehealth a step forward for rural and regional Australia

17 October 2022

The Federal Government’s announcement that it is restoring bulk billed telehealth psychiatry consultations for Australians living outside metro areas is a promising first step towards improving the accessibility and affordability of mental health services for all Australians, the peak body for psychiatrists in Australia says.

Reflecting on the RANZCP New Zealand Conference 2022

11 October 2022

Last month, the College welcomed psychiatrists from across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia to Tāhuna (Queenstown) for our annual New Zealand Conference.

RANZCP Foundation launches new PhD scholarship

07 October 2022

A new scholarship designed to support and encourage psychiatrists to undertake PhD research is now available for Australian and New Zealand RANZCP members.

Psychiatrists request urgent action to address veteran mental health needs and suicide prevention

07 October 2022

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is marking Veterans’ Health Week by shining a light on the need to address defence and veteran suicide rates in the country

RANZCP acknowledges the significance of Mental Health Awareness Week Week 2022

30 September 2022

RANZCP acknowledges the significance of Mental Health Awareness Week 2022

Message from the Chair

19 September 2022

Message from the Chair

New Australian Registration Standard for CPD in 2023

19 September 2022

New registration standard for CPD in 2023

How I meet my CPD requirements

19 September 2022

How I meet my CPD requirements

Ongoing CPD requirements for rTMS

19 September 2022

Ongoing CPD requirements for rTMS

New ‘Areas of Practice’ feature for PRGs

19 September 2022

New ‘Areas of Practice’ feature

How to spot a fake conference event

19 September 2022

How to spot a fake conference

The RANZCP expresses sadness on the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II

09 September 2022

RANZCP sadness on the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II

New grants supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and scholarship

01 September 2022

RANZCP Foundation launches grants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and scholarship

Entries for the 2023 round of RANZCP awards and grants are now open

01 September 2022

2023 College awards and grants now open

Psychiatrists say the detention of children in adult prisons must stop

26 August 2022

Psychiatrists call for end to detention of children in adult prisons

Psychiatrists welcome the passing of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022

22 August 2022

Psychiatrists welcome the passing of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Act 2022

Urgent action must be taken to address defence and veteran suicide rates: psychiatrists

15 August 2022

RANZCP urges action to address defence and veteran suicide rates

Best interests of patients and healthcare providers must always come first

12 August 2022

RANZCP welcomes action by Honeysuckle Health and nib buying group to ensure entering the local market won't impact the quality of mental health treatment for Australians.

Bi-national Committee for Trainees – Elections

11 August 2022

Nominations are open for the RANZCP Bi-national Committee for Trainees (BCT)

Long awaited alcohol reform: psychiatrists back Alcohol Amendment Bill

08 August 2022

Psychiatrists back NZ health reform.

ACT Budget delivers boost for mental health

03 August 2022

RANZCP ACT Branch applauds $70 million boost to mental health in the ACT.

Mental health must remain front of mind for Strengthening Medicare Taskforce

29 July 2022

RANZCP and APS call for inclusion in Strengthening Medicare Taskforce

Listen to RANZCP members feature in MHPN podcasts

27 July 2022

Listen to our members in MHPN podcasts

Special Pirika Taonga ceremony in NZ honours past RANZCP kaumātua

26 July 2022

Past RANZCP kaumātua and award recipient honoured at a special Pirika Taonga ceremony in Rotorua, NZ

Sri Lankan psychiatrists call for donations to help fund essential medicines

21 July 2022

The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists has organised a foreign currency account (US dollars) for donations to purchase essential psychotropic medicines. Funds will be used to buy medications from local agents and handed over to the medical supply division of the Ministry of Health or local psychiatry units based on identified needs.

A book club for psychiatrists from the MHPN

13 July 2022

The Mental Health Professionals' Network (MHPN) host a regular podcast discussing books, psychiatry and mental health.

Psychiatrists express concern over Roe v Wade decision

04 July 2022

RANZCP expresses deep concern over recent US Supreme Court decision that effectively revokes the constitutional right to abortion.

RANZCP welcomes appointments to mental health Independent Review Panel

04 July 2022

The peak body for psychiatrists has welcomed the appointment of key personnel to the Victorian Government’s mental health Independent Review panel.

Decision to end telehealth

01 July 2022

RANZCP is disappointed with the federal government's decision not to extend temporary COVID-19 telehealth items.

OSCE July 2022 update

29 June 2022

The College will not be offering an OSCE in July 2022 to enable Alternative Assessment Pathway (AAP) completions for the November 2021 and March 2022 cohorts.

RANZCP welcomes Mr Ron Baker as Kaumātua

29 June 2022

Mr Ron Baker appointed as a new Kaumātua for RANZCP.

Statement on the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care – New Zealand

28 June 2022

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) acknowledges the importance of the Royal Commission’s Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care. The RANZCP apologises to the survivors and their whānau, for the harm experienced in state care and for our failure as a group of doctors to have acted to prevent this.

RANZCP welcomes new mental health leadership within Victorian Government

28 June 2022

The peak body for psychiatrists welcomes the appointment of three key mental health roles within the Victorian Government.

College continues telehealth advocacy

27 June 2022

College representatives including the President Vinay Lakra, have met with the Department of Health (DoH) twice in the last week to discuss the upcoming expiry of COVID-19 telehealth items and the proposed reinstatement of MBS item 288.

Update from the Committee for CPD Chair

21 June 2022

There are changes coming to the RANZCP CPD program. These are in response to changes to regulatory requirements for registration in Australia and New Zealand.

New Australian Registration Standard for CPD coming in 2023

21 June 2022

Effective from January 2023, all doctors will be required to meet the CPD program requirements of an accredited “CPD home”. Most specialist medical colleges will be the default CPD Home for their specialty.

Earn CPD points in exam question writing workshop

21 June 2022

The Written Subcommittee and the Committee for Examinations are inviting members to participate in the Question writing workshop for the Critical Essay Question, Modified Essay Question, and the Multiple-Choice Examinations.

Professor Manjula O'Connor on the value of CPD

21 June 2022

For me, CPD is not just a paper requirement – it is essential in allowing me to gradually develop my expertise over multiple areas of psychiatry, whilst maintaining the highest standard of my work.

Urgent work needed to address the use of seclusion and restraint in Victorian mental health services

21 June 2022

Urgent action is needed to address the use of seclusion and restraint in Victorian mental health services, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Victorian Branch says.

New legislation a crucial step forward for mental health in Victoria

21 June 2022

The peak body for psychiatrists has welcomed the introduction of the Victorian Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Bill 2022, saying the Bill, introduced in Parliament today, marks a significant transformation in Victorian mental health legislation.

QLD Budget provides much needed boost to funds for mental health

21 June 2022

Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Queensland Chair, Prof Brett Emmerson, said the $1.645 billion over 5 years allocated in today’s budget is a big step in the right direction when it comes to mental health funding in the state. The final recurrent increase to budget is $418 million.

Autism and criminal offending - new episode of Psych Matters podcast

16 June 2022

In the latest episode of RANZCP's Psych Matters podcast, Dr Andrew Carroll, Dr David Thomas, Dr Chad Bennett and criminal barrister Tim Marsh discuss how autism may affect an individual's pathway through the criminal justice system.

Rural Director of Training initiative: expressions of interest

16 June 2022

Expressions of interest for the Flexible Approach to Training in Expanded Settings (FATES) Rural Director of Training (Rural DoT) program are now open

Increased grant funding announced: RANZCP Foundation Catalyst Grants program

14 June 2022

Increased funding announced for Catalyst Grant

Psychiatrists call on Queensland Government to implement recommendations from Mental Health Services Parliamentary Inquiry

08 June 2022

Chair of the RANZCP Queensland Branch Committee, Professor Brett Emmerson AM, says it is critical the Queensland Government act swiftly to implement the recommendations of the Mental Health Select Committee report, which stemmed from the Inquiry that the RANZCP was instrumental in ensuring took place.

SA Budget takes big step towards fixing broken mental health system

03 June 2022

SA serious about fixing broken system

RANZCP again calls for focus on mental health needs in detention centres after death at Villawood

01 June 2022

RANZCP again calls for mental health support in detention centres after death at Villawood

RANZCP marks National Sorry Day with renewed commitment to self-determination and reconciliation

26 May 2022

RANZCP marks National Sorry Day with renewed commitment

Psychiatrists congratulate incoming Labor government and urge post-pandemic mental health action

25 May 2022

Psychiatrists congratulate incoming Prime Minister and Labor government on election win