Together, we represent over 7500 psychiatrists and 25,000 psychologists in Australia. 

As mental health professionals who care for people experiencing psychological distress, trauma and serious mental health conditions, we are calling on the Coalition and Australian Greens to match Federal Labor’s investment in growing Australia’s mental health workforce.  

Every year, 1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental health condition. 

Far too many will struggle to see a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health worker due to critical and chronic workforce shortages. 

Too many people cannot get the help they need.  

The mental health workforce, despite its dedication to the community, is burning out under unrelenting demand and rising stress. 

When we talk about the mental health system, at the heart of it, we’re talking about people: the community who need care, and the workforce who provides it. 

This week, Federal Labor announced a $1 billion mental health plan.  Critically, it included $90 million to train 1,200 additional mental health workers. 

We acknowledge the commitments the Coalition has made to mental health and welcome any and all new investment in our struggling mental health system. But services—no matter how well-funded—cannot function without the people on the frontlines. 

On May 3, we want Australians casting their votes to know that no matter who is elected, their government will make it easier to see a mental health professional when they need to. 

Because mental ill-health is treatable. Improvement and recovery are possible. 

While our mental health system is in crisis, we also know that change is possible. 

It cannot happen overnight – and it certainly cannot happen alone. Help us, help you. 

Quotes attributable to Dr Elizabeth Moore, President, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP): 

“Australians are telling us it’s too hard to get mental health care. They need more help, and they need it closer to home. 

“Seven in ten Australians said they want the next government to grow the psychiatry workforce.* 

“Mental illness costs lives. It costs livelihoods. It costs our economy billions. And it doesn’t discriminate based on who you vote for—this should be a bipartisan issue. 

“Australians need both sides of politics to put people first and invest in the mental health system that cares for them, including its workforce.” 

Quote attributable to Dr Sara Quinn, President, Australian Psychological Society (APS)  

“Labor’s commitment to fund 1,200 new mental health workers is a welcome start - but it must be the floor, not the ceiling. We need these roles to go to psychologists and psychiatrists with the expertise to meet rising demand. Nearly half of all Australians will experience mental ill-health in their lifetime - this is no time for half-measures. 

“One in five Australians will face a mental health condition this year, but thousands won’t get the care they need. Psychologists are working at capacity, and long waitlists are the norm. Without a strong workforce, even the best-funded services won’t reach the people they’re meant to help. 

“Mental health care starts with people. Right now, workforce shortages are driving burnout and pushing psychologists to the brink. In 2023, nearly 1 in 3 psychologists reported feeling emotionally exhausted. We can’t fix the system without first supporting the people who hold it together. 

“This $1 billion investment shows the mental health crisis is finally being taken seriously. But demand is outstripping supply- and it’s only growing. Between 2020 and 2022, use of Medicare-subsidised psychology services increased by more than 20%. The next government must treat workforce growth as a long-term national priority. 

“True progress in mental health care comes when we invest in the people who provide it, and the people who need it. Almost 9 million Australians have experienced a mental health issue at some point in their lives. A system built around them – that is resourced, staffed and equitable - is one that will endure.” 

*Based on a nationally representative poll of 1,150 Australians conducted by Essential Research for RANZCP between 26 February and 2 March 2025. 

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) 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. 

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is Australia’s largest peak body for psychologists, representing more than 25,000 psychologists. The APS champions the vital role psychologists play in improving people’s lives and strengthening community wellbeing through psychological knowledge, therapy and interventions with individuals and groups. APS’ focus is on psychology as a profession and providing resources to psychologists to deliver the highest standards of care.                                                        

For media inquiries, please contact: 

For RANZCP - Contact Dishi on 0434 159 833 or email media@ranzcp.org 

For APS - Contact 0435 896 444 or email media@psychology.org.au 

Background – What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? 

Psychiatrists and psychologists play distinct but complementary roles. Both are experts in how the brain works and are highly trained to treat mental illnesses through psychological therapies.  

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the treatment of people with mental illnesses and can prescribe medications and other medical treatments in addition to psychotherapy. 

Psychologists are highly trained mental health professionals who use evidence-based psychological therapies to support people with a wide range of mental health concerns, from everyday challenges to severe and complex conditions. 

It is common for psychiatrists and psychologists to work together in multidisciplinary teams to provide wholistic care.  

Psychologists may consult with psychiatrists when medical treatment is needed, while psychiatrists often refer people to psychologists for specialised therapy.  

Together, they play critical roles in developing and delivering personalised care plans.