ASMOF – The Doctors Union – has welcomed a landmark ruling by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission today, which vindicates its case and delivers an appropriate pay increase to support NSW psychiatrists and ease pressure on the mental health system in crisis.
ASMOF Councillor Dr Ian Korbel said the decision was an important victory for psychiatrists and the mental health patients they care for.
"This is a major win for psychiatrists across NSW, who, since January this year, have courageously put their livelihoods and careers on the line to stand up for a better mental health system for their patients.
"Today, after months of hearings, expert testimony and extensive deliberation, the NSW IRC has finally accepted ASMOF's arguments that there was a crisis in the NSW mental health system, which was having an adverse impact on the community, and something urgently needed to be done about it.
"In its ruling, the Commission accepted that this crisis was caused by an acute shortage of psychiatrists in NSW, caused by low pay and unsustainable working conditions and as such, ruled that a 20% attraction and retention allowance should be granted to help address the crisis
"This is an appropriate, modest and necessary pay increase that will help bring psychiatrist remuneration in line with other states and territories.
"It will help to attract and retain the psychiatrists we urgently need to shore up the crumbling NSW mental health system."
While welcoming the decision, Dr Ian Korbel said it was disappointing that the Commission did not rule in favour of other critical reforms ASMOF has proposed, focused on boosting the psychiatrist workforce in NSW.
"While the decision on the attraction and retention allowance for psychiatrists was a welcome step forward, it was disappointing that the Commission did not rule in favour of other critical measures ASMOF proposed be included in an updated Award.
"These included the establishment of a joint staffing committee to address workforce shortages and the provision of appropriate support for psychiatrist trainees.
"Sadly, there is now little incentive for psychiatry trainees to start or continue their training in NSW, placing the future pipeline of psychiatrists for the NSW mental health system at risk."
Dr Korbel said that ASMOF would continue to work with the Government to ensure that NSW health services were fit for purpose, with much work still to be done. "Today's landmark decision can begin the rebuilding process for NSW. We want to work with the Government to make certain that patients get the care they need, in a system that has safe working conditions and adequate staffing, so that we can provide the best healthcare and support to mental health patients and their families."
