Over 200 psychiatrists in New South Wales, Australia, are resigning due to a pay dispute with the government. The Australian Salaried Medical Officers' Federation (Asmof) is demanding a 25% pay increase, citing a 30% gap compared to other states. The NSW government has offered a 10.5% increase, arguing that a larger raise would set a precedent for other medical specialists. The mass resignation, scheduled for January 21st, is feared to significantly impact the state's mental health system and leave vulnerable individuals without adequate care.
On Monday, as the federal health minister, Mark Butler, urged the state government and the doctors to get back to the negotiating table.On Monday, as the federal health minister, Mark Butler, urged the state government and the doctors to get back to the negotiating table.The doctor’s union is warning that the New South Wales health system “will go off a cliff” next week if the resignation of more than 200 psychiatrists – half the cohort – come into effect.
“Our psychiatrists are committed to public health and the welfare of their patients, and they do not want to resign, but they have been left with little choice,” Lisser said. The base salary of psychiatry staff specialists, according to the NSW government, is $251,618. Including various allowances, $40,765 in superannuation, and annual leave loading, their total package is $438,000.44.6% in the Northern Territory, 38.98% higher in South Australia, 28.44% in Queensland, 25.51% in Tasmania and 2% higher in Victoria.
“These are some of the most vulnerable people in our community and disruption to their care will have wide ranging impacts for them, their families, and carers,” the college said in a statement.Lisser said everyone in NSW could be affected if they needed emergency care and beds are taken up by mental health patients “waiting to be seen by a psychiatrist that is no longer working in the system”.
Commencing on Monday, a Mental Health Emergency Operations Center will be in place “to give visibility across the system as to where there are potential gaps and how we fill those gaps,” Park said.
Psychiatrists Resignation Australia NSW Mental Health Pay Dispute
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