In New South Wales, Australia, a staggering two-thirds of psychiatrists have resigned, primarily due to unresolved workforce shortages and chronic underfunding, affecting at least 208 out of nearly 300 psychiatrists.

The mass resignations began on January 21, 2025, with around 200 psychiatrists initially planning to leave, although some have since retracted their notices or postponed their departures.

Negotiations between the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and the state government regarding salary increases have been ongoing for 16 months.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has accused the Royal College of Psychiatrists of exacerbating the mental health crisis by limiting the number of trained professionals.

Many psychiatrists are leaving for private practice, interstate positions, or locum work due to better pay, further exacerbating workforce shortages.

The article concludes with a call for government action to improve mental health services for patients in need.

The current vacancy rate for psychiatrists in the state stands at nearly 30%, raising alarms about the potential collapse of the public mental health system.

The government's failure to address the staffing crisis poses significant risks to patient safety, especially during mental health emergencies.

Psychiatrists in New South Wales report earning approximately 30% less than their counterparts in other states, complicating recruitment and retention efforts in the public sector.

In response to the psychiatrist shortage, the government plans to involve more counselors, psychologists, and mental health nurses in patient assessments and treatments.

There is an urgent need for increased funding for healthcare professionals, more inpatient beds, and diverse therapy options to address systemic deficiencies.

Psychiatrists are demanding a 25% salary increase over one year, while the state government has only offered a 10.5% increase over three years.