As Queensland ramps up efforts to attract mental health workers from across the country, NSW psychiatrists are warning that this approach risks deepening workforce shortages in their own state.

“Our neighbouring state is facing severe workforce shortages and is doing everything it can to attract psychiatrists to Queensland. The reality is, these psychiatrists have to come from somewhere, and the most likely source is NSW — we're right next door,” said Dr. Pramudie Gunaratne, Chair of the NSW Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), as she called for a coordinated response from the Federal and State Governments to address the mental health workforce crisis.

While Queensland’s workforce plan offers up to $30,000 to attract psychiatrists from other states, and in some cases up to $70,000 for rural Queensland, NSW psychiatrists warn that this only shifts the problem across state lines.

“With 70% of our members considering leaving NSW, including almost 50% of trainees, we are facing the real risk of losing more psychiatrists to Queensland’s incentives. 

“People across NSW, which is home to around a third of Australia’s population, are already struggling to access timely mental health care. 

“If we lose more psychiatrists to other states, people will continue to miss out on essential services, leaving them vulnerable and without the support they need.

Dr Gunaratne further emphasised that this is a national issue. “The psychiatry workforce shortage is a national crisis, and poaching from other states won’t fix the problem for anyone.

“When one part of the system struggles, others crumble too. 

“We’re urging Mark Butler to support the work done by Ryan Park and Rose Jackson and invest in retaining our mental health workforce to ensure the people of NSW get the help they need.

“We need a comprehensive, Federally led and supported strategy to grow, train, and retain mental health workers across the country.

“With mental health services stretched across all states and territories, only a national approach can ensure Australians everywhere receive the mental health care they need,” Dr Gunaratne said.

MEDIA CONTACT: Dishi Gahlowt, media@ranzcp.org or 0437 315 911.

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.