NSW Faces Psychiatrist Exodus Threatening Public Mental Health System

Over 200 psychiatrists plan to resign next week, intensifying an ongoing workforce and pay dispute with the state government.

More than 200 public psychiatrists in New South Wales are set to resign on January 21 over a pay dispute, which could leave the system operating with only about 20% of its psychiatrist positions filled.
Psychiatrists are demanding a 25% pay increase to match salaries in other states, while the government has offered a 10.5% raise over three years, citing budget constraints.
The NSW public mental health system is already strained, with 30-40% of psychiatrist positions vacant and heavy reliance on temporary staff and locum workers.
The state government is exploring contingency plans, including shifting some patients to private hospitals, though experts warn private facilities lack the capacity and legal framework to handle high-risk involuntary patients.
Healthcare professionals warn of severe disruptions to emergency departments and broader hospital operations if the resignations proceed, with concerns about delays in care for both psychiatric and general medical patients.