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Psychiatry Workforce Program (PWP)
The Australian Government has provided an opportunity for health services to be a part of their new Psychiatry Workforce Program.
The program has been introduced to address mental health workforce maldistribution and shortages and aims to improve access to high quality mental health care for all Australians, with a focus on those living in rural and remote areas. The program will fund new training posts that have not been previously funded and that meet one of the following criteria:
- 1 FTE located in MM2-7 locations
- Provide services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (Stage 2 mandatory rotation)
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (Stage 2 mandatory rotation)
The PWP Program is governed through the STP Operational Framework.
Salary support
The PWP provides organisations with funding for salary contributions based on the following costs per training post for 2024:
- $108,284.00 (GST exclusive) for 1 FTE trainee
- $92,815.00 (GST exclusive) for .33 FTE training supervisor
Rural loading
In 2024, PWP posts in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia may be eligible for an annual loading of $18,047.16 to $30,938.00 (ex. GST) per annum pro rata.
Rural Support Loading will be offered to training posts with a minimum 50% of training conducted in MM 2-7 locations.
This loading is provided by the Commonwealth and managed by the RANZCP and assists with additional costs associated with having an PWP training position in regional and remote settings.
To determine the rural classification of a location, visit the Health Workforce Locator and select Modified Monash Model, 2019.
Applicants who are successful in their application for PWP funding will have their eligibility for the Rural Loading allowance determined at the time of application.
Rural Loading Guidelines are available to assist post providers on eligibility, use of funding and payment.
Private infrastructure and clinical supervision (PICS)
In 2024, PWP posts in private settings may be eligible for funds to cover infrastructure and clinical supervision.
PICS annual loading of up to $30,938.00 (GST exclusive) pro rata, per full time equivalent (FTE) is available where a post has a location in a private setting, subject to total funds allocated.
The definition of "Private" relates to the facility and its ownership. A private setting is not a publicly owned facility treating private patients. A private setting is one that does not receive its operational funding directly from a state or territory government.
Applicants who are successful in their application for PWP funding will have their eligibility for the PICS determined at the time of application.
PICS Guidelines are available to assist post providers on eligibility, use of funding and payment.
PWP Progress report
Rotation 1 PWP Progress Reports close on 20 August with Rotation 2 PWP Reports closing on 20 February of each respective training year.
Reports are available through our online portal with access provided to a nominated user for each health service.
Communications regarding reporting will be undertaken directly with the nominated user.
Please note that:
- a report is to be submitted even if a post has been or will be vacant
- information regarding the locations a trainee has delivered services or undertaken training must be included
- reports and invoices must be completed prior to the closing date of each rotation i.e. 20 August / 20 February, respectively
- payment terms are 30 days (subject to full completion of reporting requirements). Incomplete information will delay payment
- until we have received all outstanding reports and invoices you will be unable to claim for the next funding instalment.
Trainee eligibility
PWP posts are only open to current RANZCP trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) on the pathway to RANZCP Fellowship.
Contact
RANZCP STP Team
309 La Trobe Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
1800 337 448 (select option 5).
stp@ranzcp.org
