News
Click the title of a news story to read the full article.
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.
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.
Interested in joining a RANZCP committee? Nominations are open
30 January 2019
Nominations for a variety of College committee positions are now open.
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.
Australasian Psychiatry is moving online – final print issue is December 2018
18 December 2018
A reminder that Australasian Psychiatry will be moving to a predominantly online format in 2019 and members will no longer automatically receive print copies of the journal.
My CPD default year will change to 2019
10 December 2018
From 1 January 2019, the default year on the My CPD system will become 2019.
Newly established Faculty of Adult Psychiatry open for membership now
10 December 2018
In August this year, the RANZCP Board approved the establishment of the Faculty of Adult Psychiatry (FADLP). Membership of the Faculty is now open and we are calling on members to formally notify us of their intention to join.
PMHCCN Award: applications now open for Trainees
07 December 2018
RANZCP trainees can enter this award for a chance to receive A$1,000 in prize money and a certificate presented at the annual RANZCP Congress.
RANZCP welcomes He Ara Oranga report into mental health and addiction
06 December 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ New Zealand National Committee – Tu Te Akaaka Roa – welcomes the much anticipated report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction.
Support for Rural Specialists in Australia (SRSA) program: applications now open for Funding Round 4
05 December 2018
Rural and remote Fellows in Australia, apply now for an SRSA Funding Round 4 grant to help support some of the costs of your CPD activities.
RANZCP clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of anxiety disorders now available
04 December 2018
The RANZCP has published new clinical practice guidelines (CPG) to provide practical clinical guidance for the treatment of adults with panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.
Much anticipated guidelines provide most up-to-date advice for treatment of anxiety disorders
04 December 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has published new clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of adults with panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD) and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
RANZCP supports changes to allow urgent mental healthcare for children and families on Nauru
04 December 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) joins other medical colleges in their call for legislative change to allow for the urgent removal of critically ill children and their families held in immigration detention at the recommendation of qualified medical professionals.
New journal article by Fellows and trainees on psychiatry trainee welfare
30 November 2018
An Australasian Psychiatry article entitled ‘Psychiatry trainee welfare – from words to action’ by RANZCP Fellows and trainees discusses lived experiences of burnout and provides practical advice to colleagues in order to improve welfare.
Psychiatrists look forward to Victorian Government action on mental health
26 November 2018
The Victorian Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP Victorian Branch) congratulates the Victorian Government on its re-election and looks forward to working with them on the promised royal commission into mental health.
E-cigarettes and vaporisers – new RANZCP position statement
26 November 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has released a new position statement in support of the legalisation and regulation of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and other vaporised nicotine products.
Trisno Family Research Grant in Old Age Psychiatry: applications closing 30 November
23 November 2018
Applications close shortly for the Trisno Family Research Grant in Old Age Psychiatry, which provides funding of up to A$5,000 to support new research in this area.
Medical use of cannabinoids – RANZCP clinical memorandum
22 November 2018
The College has recently released a new clinical memorandum to provide information to psychiatrists on the medical use of cannabinoids in psychiatry, including potential safety concerns.
RANZCP welcomes new Queensland mental health plan
22 November 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists supports the Queensland Mental Health Commission’s new plan, Shifting minds: Queensland Mental Health, Alcohol and Oher Drugs Strategic Plan 2018–2023.
My Health Record – opt-out period extended to 31 January 2019
14 November 2018
Around 17 million Australians will be automatically enrolled into the e-health records system, My Health Record, if they do not opt out by Thursday 31 January 2019.
RANZCP signs memorandum of understanding with Fiji National University
14 November 2018
The College is celebrating a landmark step with Fiji National University after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which agrees to promote, strengthen and enhance cooperation in the areas of research, education and faculty development.
New vox pop engagement initiative goes live on RANZCP homepage
13 November 2018
A new online engagement initiative for members is now live on the RANZCP homepage.
RANZCP statement in response to the recent Bourke Street event
12 November 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) would like to express its concern and deep sadness at the devastating events in Bourke Street, Melbourne on Friday afternoon.
President Elect candidates announced
08 November 2018
Candidates announced
Statement in response to reports on Victorian Supreme Court ruling
02 November 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) affirms that a person should be supported to make their own decisions about treatment where possible, and that informed consent respects patient autonomy and protects human rights.
New help desk for My CPD
31 October 2018
A new online help desk has been established to answer CPD enquiries.
New CPD system now available
24 October 2018
The upgrade of the My CPD system is now complete.
College formally commits to Tri-nation Alliance
24 October 2018
Last week a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry (RANZCP) and other medical colleges in Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Promised Royal Commission supported but action needed now, psychiatrists say
24 October 2018
The Victorian Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP Victorian Branch) welcomes Premier Daniel Andrews’ promise to establish a Royal Commission into Mental Health if re-elected, but emphasises that action is needed now to meet the needs of people with mental illness.
National apology an important step for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse
23 October 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) commends the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, on his national apology to victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.
RANZCP urges government to remove children and their families from Nauru
19 October 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) reaffirms its opposition to the prolonged and indefinite immigration detention of children and their families, and urges the Australian Government to remove them from Nauru.
Mental health in ED summit a step towards improving patient care and experiences
19 October 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) congratulates the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) on a successful Mental Health in Emergency Department Summit.
Religious Freedom Review recommendations raise concerns for LGBTQ mental health
18 October 2018
In response to recent media reports arising from the Religious Freedom Review, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is concerned that changes enshrining further discrimination are likely to increase the mental health problems for people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) communities.
History, Philosophy and Ethics of Psychiatry conference hosted in Hong Kong
18 October 2018
The College congratulates Professor Michael TH Wong, Chair of the Section of History, Philosophy and Ethics, and convenor of the 20th Annual Conference of the International Network for Philosophy and Psychiatry, on the success of the conference.
2018 Australian Mental Health Prize finalists announced
15 October 2018
The College is delighted to congratulate Ms Janne McMahon and Professor Gavin Andrews who are amongst six mental health professionals selected as finalists for the 2018 Australian Mental Health Prize.
RANZCP Fellows selected for Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission Advisory Panel
12 October 2018
Following the creation of the $125 million Million Minds Mental Health Research Mission, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health, has established an Advisory Panel to help identify research priorities and inform the design of the Mission’s research grant programs.
New ACEM report on mental health presentations to emergency departments
11 October 2018
A new report released by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) suggests emergency departments are failing to adequately fulfil their role as a timely and accessible entry point to the mental health system.
Entries for the RANZCP awards and grants are now open
10 October 2018
Would you like extra funding to support a research project?
Have you authored a significant psychiatric research paper?
Perhaps you know of a psychiatrist whose work deserves recognition?
RANZCP supports New Zealand Government on Child Poverty Reduction Bill
08 October 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists warmly welcomes the New Zealand Prime Minister’s announcement that the Child Poverty Reduction Bill has been reported back to the House with cross-party support. The RANZCP commends the Government on progressing this historic Bill.
My CPD upgrade
05 October 2018
The College has been listening to member feedback and an upgrade of My CPD online portal is on its way.
New jobs in psychiatry career centre launching soon
04 October 2018
An exciting new jobs board and career centre will be launched later this year. Aimed at helping you find the right job, the new career centre will offer an improved job seeking experience.
2019 RANZCP President Elect - Call for nominations
28 September 2018
Nominations now open for the President Elect position on the RANZCP Board.
RANZCP calls for an end to the policy of children in immigration detention
21 September 2018
In response to recent media reports about the children on Nauru, the RANZCP would like to restate its opposition to the prolonged and indefinite detention of child asylum seekers.
RANZCP welcomes announcement of a Royal Commission into Australian aged care sector
17 September 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists welcomes the federal government's decision to establish a Royal Commission into aged care, and hopes that the inquiry will shed a light on issues within the sector and lead to targeted investment in improving aged care services across Australia.
Position Statement 38: Mental Health and HIV/AIDS now available
13 September 2018
An updated Position Statement from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists looks at the interaction between HIV/AIDS and mental health.
Winners and losers from the South Australian budget
10 September 2018
Didn’t attend the South Australian budget lock up? Click through to read all about the state government’s key health commitments.
RANZCP to present to the Inquiry into the mental health conditions experienced by first responders
05 September 2018
The RANZCP will present its submission to the Inquiry into the mental health conditions experienced by first responders on Wednesday 5 September.
Caring Fairly is a new report that looks at the true cost of caring for someone with a mental illness
29 August 2018
Right now more than 2 million Australians are providing unpaid care to a loved one with a mental illness, this often comes at the cost of lost education and employment opportunities.
Updated comment from RANZCP on status of the training posts at Royal Hobart Hospital
29 August 2018
Provisional accreditation for the training posts in the Adult Inpatient Psychiatry Unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital has been restored.
Health leaders call for increased mental health support for people with intellectual disability
28 August 2018
Australians with intellectual disability experience very high rates of mental ill-health, and face multiple barriers to care. Now a group of Australian health experts are calling for change.
Dowry abuse – RANZCP calls for legislative changes to reduce harms to women
23 August 2018
A new submission from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is calling for an end to dowry practices in Australia.
With 100% of NSW in drought the RANZCP urges farming communities to look after their mental health
10 August 2018
New figures from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) show that 100% of New South Wales is in drought, with almost a quarter classified as being in intense drought. With unseasonably dry conditions projected to continue in the following months, how can we help support the mental health of Australia’s rural and remote communities?
CPD 2017 – Audit Update
10 August 2018
We are well ahead of schedule with the 2017 CPD audit
Healthy body, healthy mind
09 August 2018
The latest report in the Australian Health and Policy Collaboration Health looks at how the risks of ongoing physical health conditions can contribute to a wide range of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Increased privacy protections for My Health Record
01 August 2018
A new amendment to the My Health Record Act will mean that no information from the record can be released to police or government agencies, for any purpose, without a court order.
RANZCP signs pact to improve ethical interactions in Aus healthcare systems
31 July 2018
A new consensus framework endorsed by the RANZCP aims to protect patient interests and expand efforts to improve ethical interactions in Australian healthcare
Medical Board of Australia changes policy of naming doctors under investigation
30 July 2018
The July 27 announcement from the Medical Board of Australia means that doctors who have been involved in disciplinary hearings with no adverse findings will no longer be named on the public register.
Mental health organisations collaborate to launch #YouCanTalk
20 July 2018
#YouCanTalk is a new suicide prevention campaign that aims to give people the confidence to talk about suicide.
RANZCP welcomes government report into termination of pregnancy laws in Queensland
20 July 2018
A new report from the Queensland Law Commission on the state’s termination of pregnancy laws has been released.
The ‘My Health Record’ opt out period begins, here’s what you need to know
16 July 2018
From 16 July, people who do not want their medical records stored on the ‘My Health Record’ system will have three months to opt out.
Changes to how Learnit modules are added to CPD records
09 July 2018
From 16 July 2018, completed Learnit modules will record against the matching section on your CPD record.
Applications are now open for the RANZCP research and education grants
09 July 2018
Calling all members! Applications are now open for the RANZCP Research and Education Foundation and RANZCP New Investigator Grants
Investment required in appropriate mental health facilities to treat people in justice system
03 July 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is deeply concerned about reports of a psychiatric patient being kept in prison because of a lack of appropriate high security mental health facilities.
RANZCP welcomes Queensland’s investment in community mental health
18 June 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the Queensland State Government’s $106.4 million investment in community mental health services.
RANZCP statement on recent media coverage about QLD psychiatrist’s book
14 June 2018
The RANZCP are aware of recent media coverage about the publication of a book by Queensland psychiatrist, Dr Donald Grant. We are currently reviewing the matter internally through appropriate College processes, and therefore are unable to comment at this time.
Statement from the RANZCP on sentence of Victorian psychiatrist
13 June 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) notes the sentence of Victorian psychiatrist Dr Robert Proctor.
More rigorous monitoring of New Zealand’s dementia units a step in the right direction
08 June 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists welcomes the New Zealand Government’s announcement that the Office of the Ombudsman will soon carry out inspections of privately run dementia units.
Updated RANZCP Code of ethics released
17 May 2018
The updated RANZCP Code of ethics incorporates a number of changes to make it relevant to contemporary psychiatric practice.
Submission to NZ Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction
16 May 2018
RANZCP Members are invited to comment on the College submission to the NZ Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction.
RANZCP Women in leadership symposium
15 May 2018
A ‘Women In Leadership’ symposium will be a key feature of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Congress being held in Auckland this week.
Claim your new Find a Psychiatrist profile
14 May 2018
There's a new Find a Psychiatrist directory coming. Add or update your details to claim your new and expanded profile.
RANZCP welcomes $338 million investment in mental health
09 May 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the $338 million mental health investment in the federal government’s 2018-2019 budget.
RANZCP welcomes Victoria’s $705 million investment in mental health and addiction services
02 May 2018
The Victorian State Government’s $705 million investment into the state’s mental health and addiction services is a welcome signal of a new commitment to the sector, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has said.
Statement from the RANZCP regarding media reporting
30 April 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is deeply concerned over the recent reporting regarding patient Timothy Kosowicz, in particular by Network 7. The reporting was intrusive, and stigmatising of people with mental illness and lacked balance.
Statement from the RANZCP on sentence of former psychiatrist
26 April 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) notes the sentence of former Western Australian psychiatrist, Ian McAlpine. The RANZCP can confirm that this individual is not a current practising psychiatrist and was removed as a member of the RANZCP in 1992 after being found guilty of unprofessional conduct by the Medical Board of Western Australia.
International Medical Symposium 2018 video presentations now available in Learnit
23 April 2018
Watch the video presentations from the IMS 2018 in Learnit and gain CPD Hours for section 4 – Self-guided learning.
RANZCP Board election results announced
09 April 2018
The following Fellows have been elected to the Board and will assume office at the conclusion of the College's AGM on 16 May 2018:
Dr Margaret Aimer
Dr Peter Jenkins
Dr Vinay Lakra
Dr Sue Mackersey
Dr Nick O’Connor.
These Fellows will join the President, Dr Kym Jenkins and President Elect, A/Prof. John Allan on the RANZCP Board.
RANZCP calls for more funding to support military veterans’ mental health
28 March 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is calling on the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to work together with the Australian Government to ensure more funding and support for the mental health needs of Australian veterans.
Closing the gap on mental health inequality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
15 March 2018
Today, National Close the Gap Day (NCTGD), marks a significant date in Australia’s calendar. It is a day to call attention to the inequality of health and life expectancy experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
RANZCP responds to the findings of the ICAC investigation into the Oakden facility
28 February 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the recommendations made in the South Australian Independent Commissioner Against Corruption’s (ICAC) final report of the investigation into potential serious or systemic maladministration associated with the Oakden Older Persons Mental Health Service.
RANZCP calls for additional funding to reduce wait times in emergency departments
27 February 2018
A new report from the Australasian College of Emergency (ACEM) on access blocks and long wait times for mental health presentations in emergency departments highlights a major funding problem for mental health care in Australia and New Zealand, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has said.
Media statement from the RANZCP regarding written examinations
22 February 2018
The RANZCP is aware of the recent incident impacting the RACP Written Examinations. Pearson VUE has facilitated written examinations with the RANZCP for several years across Australia and New Zealand and has provided similar services to other Colleges and the AMC.
RANZCP Fellows receive Australia Day honours
14 February 2018
The Australia Day honours are conferred annually to Australians whose actions have set them apart and enriched the Australian community across a broad range of professional, public and community service sectors. It recognises their achievements and service to their fellow citizens.
Statement from the RANZCP President: 10 years since the National Apology to the Stolen Generations
13 February 2018
Today marks 10 years since the National Apology to the Stolen Generations by the Australian Government.
RANZCP strengthens its commitment to Māori
06 February 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrist (RANZCP) welcomes Mr Wikepa Keelan (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungungu) as the RANZCP’s new Kaumātua.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report into veteran’s suicide now available
31 January 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists welcomes the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report into the ‘Incidence of suicide in serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force personnel: detailed analysis 2001–2015’.
RANZCP welcomes the timely Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction
25 January 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists welcomes the announcement of an Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction in New Zealand.
RANZCP says more needs to be done to support mental health in rural Australia
24 January 2018
A shortage of psychiatrists is contributing to the crisis in mental health services in rural and remote Australia, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has said.
NDIS support for people with serious mental illness inadequate
22 January 2018
The challenges experienced by people with serious mental health issues may be worse under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), as more people with psychosocial disability related to mental illness are deemed ineligible for the scheme, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has warned.
RANZCP welcomes increased funding for youth mental health
09 January 2018
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists welcomes the federal government’s announcement of a $100 million funding increase to youth mental health services.
Media statement from the RANZCP regarding the Flinders Street event
22 December 2017
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) would like to express its concern and sadness at the terrible and terrifying event which occurred on Flinders/Elizabeth Street yesterday afternoon.
RANZCP welcomes the Australian Government’s ratification of the OPCAT
19 December 2017
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the Australian Government’s ratification of the Conventions against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT).
►For older news, please visit our News Archive.