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.
Quote 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.”
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*Based on a nationally representative poll of 1,150 Australians conducted by Essential Research for RANZCP between 26 February and 2 March 2025.
For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email. Find the APS Media team on X: @AustPsych
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 25,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.