AMA response to National Mental Health Workforce Strategy Consultation Draft
The AMA understands that the mental health system needs a plan to grow an appropriate, well-distributed and sustainable workforce to meet the future mental health needs of Australia.
This means recognising that we have a chronic shortage of psychiatrists and need substantial investment to grow the next generation over the medium and long term. GPs, the gateway to the mental health system need better supports embedded in clinics to support patients on their mental health journey. This includes mental health nurses, allied health professionals and other community support services. The AMA supports the government commitment to focus on mental health workforce, and we await further detail around the proposed implementation activities, funding and timeframes.
