Psychiatrists who work in NSW public hospitals will receive a 20% pay rise.
A long-running dispute over pay and working conditions was escalated to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) after mass resignations across the sector.
At least 200 NSW psychiatrists resigned in January, but a “large number” delayed action, “pending the outcome of this case,” the IRC noted.
In a decision handed down on Friday, the IRC ordered a pay increase aimed at “attraction and retention” of staff.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are doctors who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Unlike psychologists, they can prescribe medications.
The Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation of NSW (ASMOF) represents psychiatrists who work across NSW public health services.
The doctors union has warned the sector is “dangerously understaffed,” presenting a risk to patient welfare, and placing “enormous pressure on the existing workforce.”
140 psychiatrists resigned from the public sector last year, followed by at least another 50 this year.
However, some staff later delayed their exit, or were re-hired as contractors.
Hospitals have since experienced greater emergency department delays, hospital bed closures, and worsened conditions for both staff and patients.
The union said wait times for mental health patients have reached up to 90 hours.
Negotiations
A dispute between ASMOF and the State Government was escalated to the NSW IRC in March. Hearings wrapped up in June.
ASMOF was seeking a 25% pay increase. The union argued this would bring NSW psychiatrists’ wages in line with other jurisdictions.
It’s also called for better working conditions to address staff shortages and systemic concerns.
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The NSW Government proposed a 10.5% pay increase over three years, and a 10% allowance for excessive hours.
IRC decision
In a decision handed down on Friday, the IRC ordered a 10% interim pay rise for NSW public health psychiatrists.
The court described the increase as a “temporary attraction and retention allowance.”
It follows a 10% “abnormal duties” allowance, which was announced for all psychiatry staff in February.
The IRC noted the combined increases guarantee a 20% pay rise for a 12-month period.
Union response
After months of hearings and testimony, the doctors union called the decision “a crucial first step”.
However, it said: “We must continue the fight until all doctors in NSW receive the fair pay, safe working conditions, and respect they deserve.”
ASMOF noted the IRC did not grant its other claims, including an allowance for trainee doctors.
The union noted these claims would “require more detailed examination,” and said it will continue to “advocate for improvements”.
Govt response
The State Government has welcomed the IRC decision.
“The NSW Government has always committed to upholding the decision of the [IRC] and will now deliver this wage rise for Staff Specialist Psychiatrists,” an official statement said.
Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said NSW psychiatrists are a valued part of the health system.
“We now look forward to working with them to strengthen mental health care across our state.”
