The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Northern Territory Branch is calling for urgent and sustainable investment in mental health after new data from AIHW revealed that the region has the lowest number of psychiatrists in the country, with only 11 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. 

Previous AIHW data showed that NT had 12.5 psychiatrists per 100,000 people in 2019, indicating that the number of psychiatrists in the region is declining amidst an already dire workforce shortage crisis.

Dr David Chapman, Chair of RANZCP NT Branch, called on all parties to commit to adequately funding the mental health system ahead of the upcoming election, so no Territorian is left without lifesaving mental health care.

"The foundation of the mental health system is its workforce.

“The lack of psychiatrists and mental health workers in the Territory has been an ongoing cause of serious concern for us.

“Without urgent and sustainable investment to grow the numbers of psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, allied health practitioners and many others, the system will continue to fail.

“We are seeing the devastating consequences of this on individuals, families and communities at the frontlines.

“This is not just a mental health or a health issue – it has serious social and economic implications and costs.”

Dr Chapman also highlighted the importance of expanding specialist community mental health services, particularly outside of the cities. 

“Even though the entire Northern Territory is considered an area of high concern unlike any other Australian state or territory, the mental health crisis is exacerbated as you go farther from the city centre.

“For some people in the most remote parts of the Territory, there is virtually no mental health care available.

“Something has to change. We need to do better.

“The upcoming election is an opportunity for parties to show us that they truly care about individuals with mental illnesses and their families and carers.

“By investing in increasing the mental health workforce, enhancing specialist community services, and providing ring-fenced funding for forensic mental health services, we can significantly improve mental health outcomes for everyone.

“The RANZCP NT Branch is committed to working with the incoming government to address critical gaps in mental health care and improve health outcomes for all,” Dr Chapman said.

For all other expert mental health information visit Your Health in Mind, the RANZCP’s consumer health information website.

ENQUIRIES: For more information, or to arrange an interview call Dishi Gahlowt on +61 437 315 911 or email media@ranzcp.org.  

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a membership organisation that prepares medical specialists in the field of psychiatry, supports and enhances clinical practice, advocates for people affected by mental illness and advises governments and other groups on mental health care. For information about our work, our members or our history, visit www.ranzcp.org.

In Australia: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au or the Suicide Callback Service on 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

In New Zealand: If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline NZ on 0800 543 354 or www.lifeline.org.nz or the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0508 828 865 or www.lifeline.org.nz/suicide-prevention.