A Survey of the Distribution of Psychiatrists in Australia and New Zealand in 1987

Abstract

A survey is described of the number and distribution of all psychiatrists and trainee psychiatrists in Australia and in New Zealand in 1987, with estimates of available psychiatrists over the next decade. Australia as a whole is not short of psychiatrists or of trainee psychiatrists, but has a marked maldistribution between States and between city and rural areas which needs to be seriously addressed. In 1987 the ratio of psychiatrists to population in Australia was 1: 11 290 and in New Zealand 1: 21 440. It is estimated that by 1997 the corresponding ratios will be 1: 9 130 and 1: 12 440. There were 549 trainee psychiatrists in Australia and 103 in New Zealand. Relativity of human resources needs are emphasised. Those Australian States with the highest ratio of psychiatrists to population also have the highest ratio of trainees to population, a fact which has obvious implications.