After more than four decades of outstanding service in the NSW public health system, NSW Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright PSM will leave his role at NSW Health.
Dr Wright has been appointed as the Consultant Psychiatrist leading the external review of the psychological assessment of workers compensation claims, commissioned by NSW Parliament.
NSW Health is today recognising the remarkable accomplishments of Dr Wright who started as the Chief Psychiatrist in 2014.
Since then, he has overseen the mental health responses to a number of major and complex events that had a significant impact on the NSW community. These include the COVID-19 pandemic, the recent terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, the tragic event at Bondi Junction, the Martin Place siege, and numerous natural disasters from bushfires to floods.
Throughout his tenure, Dr Wright has played a pivotal role in strengthening the quality and safety of mental health services across the state.
His leadership has helped shape system-wide improvements in care, delivering better outcomes for countless individuals, families and communities across NSW.
In recent years, Dr Wright also led the establishment of the Clinical Psychiatry Taskforce, ensuring psychiatrists have a strong, direct voice in shaping the future of mental health care in NSW
Dr Wright will begin his role as Consultant Psychiatrist for the external review on April 20.
Dr Michael Bowden, Senior Clinical Advisor, Child and Youth Mental Health at NSW Health, has been appointed as interim NSW Chief Psychiatrist, with recruitment for the ongoing role commencing immediately.
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"I would like to acknowledge the incredible career Dr Wright has had across the NSW public health system, most recently as NSW Health's Chief Psychiatrist.
"Throughout his tenure, Dr Wright has responded to some of our states' most tragic and challenging events.
"His approach has always been grounded in compassion and kindness, ensuring support was delivered to the community wherever and whenever it was needed most.
"While he may be leaving NSW Health, Dr Wright still has much to offer and will be taking on another important role leading the external review."
Quotes attributable to NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:
"Dr Wright's new appointment is a significant responsibility and reflects the deep trust placed in his expertise, integrity, and leadership.
"He has been a tireless advocate for person-centred care and for reducing stigma for people with mental ill-health.
"Dr Wright has helped normalise conversations about emotional distress and has consistently championed compassion, dignity, and respect for people experiencing mental illness.
"On behalf of NSW Health, I want to sincerely thank Dr Wright for his service to public health and his remarkable contribution to mental health care in NSW."
Quotes attributable to NSW Health Chief Psychiatrist Dr Murray Wright:
"Serving as NSW Health's Chief Psychiatrist has been a highlight of my career, and I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone I have worked with along the way.
"Leading our mental health system has been rewarding and at times challenging, but the care we deliver here in NSW is exceptional and is only going to get better because we have the best people who care deeply about their patients and our community.
"I look forward to starting my new role leading the external review of the psychological assessment of workers compensation claims, where I will hope to apply much of what I have learnt over my past 40 years as a psychiatrist."
