The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists

21/05/2026

We are pleased to have launched the new Certificate of Advanced Training in Youth Psychiatry allowing to enter the profession trained and ready to practice .

Dr Daniel Pellen, Chair of the RANZCP Section of Youth Mental Health, said the new program responds to rising demand from young people and the increasing complexity of their needs.

It comes as new government data reveals the extent of Australia’s youth . Almost four in 10 young Australians aged 16 to 24 reported having a mental disorder – nearly double the national rate and the highest of any age group.

Read the full Herald Sun article. [Link in comments]

20/05/2026

Experts and advocates have expressed grave concerns about the Government’s approach to the reform of the NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) after the revealed the scope of the cuts and funding gaps for support services.

RANZCP President Dr Astha Tomar said “As Government reforms the , it must ensure people living with are not pushed from one overstretched system into another. Savings within must be matched by real investment in foundational psychosocial supports, community and specialist clinical services.”

Read the full Croakey news article: https://ow.ly/uNlV50Z229s

Croakey - Informed, engaged communities for health

Disability advocates have expressed grave concerns this week about the Government’s approach to the reform of the National Disability Insurance

20/05/2026

Ahead of the upcoming election, RANZCP Tū Te Akaaka Roa NZ National Office is calling on all parties to fund 20 more subspecialty psychiatry training positions in high-need areas such as .

This comes as reports of inmates in New Zealand prisons waiting months for treatment due to pressure on high-security forensic facilities gain widespread attention.

Dr Hiran Thabrew and Dr James Cavney from the NZ National Office spoke with New Zealand Herald on the matter.

Read the full nzherald.co.nz article. [Link in comments]

16/05/2026

Today, 17 May, is International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination. It marks the date in 1990 that homosexuality was removed from the World Health Organization Classification of Diseases. Over three decades later, + communities still face discrimination.

Evidence shows that discrimination and marginalisation experienced by the LGBTIQ+ population increases their risk of developing issues and also creates barriers to accessing services.

have an important role to play in caring for the mental health needs of LGBTIQ+ people experiencing mental illness and psychological distress.

Read our position statement. [Link in comments]

14/05/2026

Applications have been extended for the Independent Director position on the .

We are seeking an Independent Director who brings strong governance capability, an independent perspective and a collaborative approach to join the RANZCP Board.

It is an opportunity to support the College’s role in advancing the profession and improving outcomes across Australia and New Zealand.

We encourage applications from candidates who:
- meet eligibility requirements under the Corporations Act 2001
- bring substantial Board or governance experience
- have completed the AICD Course, or NZIoD Company Directors’ Course (or equivalent)
- demonstrate strong governance fiduciary and ethical expertise
- can contribute an independent and contemporary governance perspective.

We welcome applications from candidates based in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.

Applications close: 5 pm on 18 May 2026.

Find out more and apply. [Link in comments]

13/05/2026

The has delivered several important investments in and , including welcome commitments to workforce training, veteran mental health, youth services and community supports. However, the scale of Australia's still demands far more ambitious and sustained reform.

RANZCP President Dr Astha Tomar said investment in the training, recruitment and retention of psychiatrists and mental health professionals is an investment in keeping Australians well, connected to work, engaged in education, and out of crisis care.

Read the release. [Link in comments]

09/05/2026

Over the past few days at Congress, RANZCP President Dr Astha Tomar, hosted a series of symposiums that honoured the College’s past while looking firmly to the future.

A rich selection of speakers, including past Presidents, members and experts, reflected on the extraordinary legacy of the RANZCP and the leadership that continues to shape our history.

Conversations explored:
· Legacy, leadership, and the road ahead
· Responsibilities psychiatrists and peak psychiatric organisations hold beyond their borders
· The future demands on psychiatry and how must the College evolve to enable it.

As we look ahead for the profession and our College, we do so with confidence in our foundations, humility in our learning, and a shared commitment to serve our communities with knowledge, integrity and care.

08/05/2026

We warmly welcome our incoming Board Directors – Professor Megan Galbally, Professor Dan Lubman AM, Professor Shuichi Suetani and Dr Georgia Ramsden – who join returning Directors, Dr Michelle Atchison and Dr Mark Lawrence, as well as President Elect Dr Angelo Virgona and President Dr Astha Tomar, to form the 2026-27 RANZCP Board.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Board Directors Dr Agnew Alexander, Dr Ashna Basu, Dr Alex Cockram and Professor Richard Newton. Their perspectives, experiences and leadership have been integral to the College’s recent achievements and progress.

08/05/2026

Tune into the latest episode Psychopathology Part 3: Abnormalities of thought content🎧

In this episode, Dr Vinesh Gupta and Professor Femi Oyebode explore the intricate world of thoughts, delusions, and formal thought disorders within psychiatric practice. They delve into definitions, classifications, cultural considerations, and neurobiological models underpinning these phenomena – essential for clinicians and students alike.

Listen now. [Link in comments]

08/05/2026

At the Congress, we shared our early design thinking and prototype plans for the 2030 New Fellowship Program. These directions are intentionally exploratory and consultation will continue.

Some of the areas we’re exploring include:
1) Maintaining public standards through assessment design:
We are proposing the return of a mid‑Fellowship external clinical examination to ensure robust, publicly defensible standards for Fellowship. This would sit within a broader assessment program that supports assessment of learning and for learning.

2) Supporting trainees over time:
The introduction of a longitudinal educational coach is intended to strengthen wellbeing, continuity, and the overall training experience. This would be in addition to the traditional Term clinical supervisors.

3) Preparing psychiatrists for the future:
We are developing capability strands to ensure trainees are equipped for the evolving world of practice, aligned with the essential attributes of the of the future. These include leadership, cultural safety and AI literacy, with transformational learning supported through a reflective portfolio.

4) Mandatory experiences:
A shift towards mandatory experiences, rather than mandatory terms, aims to reduce bottlenecks to progression, grow the , and raise standards across critical areas aligned with changing population needs.

5) A phased, flexible Fellowship journey:
A five‑year, phased hybrid CBME structure with a strong focus on transition including exam free first and final years is proposed to allow trainees to build solid foundations and tailor training as their interests and capabilities develop. This includes supporting end‑to‑end rural training, expanding private sector placements, and addressing workforce maldistribution.

These are the directions set to date. We are keen to engage Fellows, trainees, and wider stakeholders to continue shaping and strengthening these design plans together.

Please do reach out to continue the dialogue as we work towards preparing psychiatrists for the future for and with Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
📧newfellowshipprogram@ranzcp.org

08/05/2026

The Women's Networking Lunch at Congress brought together women trainees, early career Fellows and leading women psychiatrists for meaningful connection and conversation.

We were delighted to welcome Carolyn Quadrio, who shared her reflections on 80 years of the College, highlighting the contributions of women in , how far we have come, and how further work is needed to advance .

A special thanks to guest speakers Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of The Royal College of Psychiatrists UK, and Dr Christina W. Hoven, Professor of Epidemiology and Psychiatry at Columbia University.