❓ Mr. Zempilas requests data on budgeted, occupied, and vacant psychiatrist positions across WA's public health system as of December 1, 2025. The answer indicates data collection limitations due to funding models, psychiatrist mobility, and role overlap.
AnsweredQoN 1712Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
As at 1 December 2025, and broken down by individual public hospital, community mental health service or other clinical service provider within each Health Service Provider, what is the number of: (a) budgeted psychiatrist positions; (b) occupied psychiatrist positions; and (c) vacant psychiatrist positions?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 March 2026
Responded by
Minister for Health; Mental Health
Response time
9 days
(a)-(c)
Funding for mental health services in the public health system is provided as a combination of ‘block funding’ and ‘activity-based funding’, and depends on the care setting (i.e., inpatient, outpatient, emergency, or community-based). Many psychiatrists also work across multiple hospitals, community services and Health Service Providers (HSPs).
Additionally, due to the unique operating environments of different HSPs, a clear distinction cannot be made between psychiatrists and other medical officers delivering mental health services. Locum psychiatrists and medical practitioners are also engaged as required to ensure continuity of service provision.
Funding for mental health services in the public health system is provided as a combination of ‘block funding’ and ‘activity-based funding’, and depends on the care setting (i.e., inpatient, outpatient, emergency, or community-based). Many psychiatrists also work across multiple hospitals, community services and Health Service Providers (HSPs).
Additionally, due to the unique operating environments of different HSPs, a clear distinction cannot be made between psychiatrists and other medical officers delivering mental health services. Locum psychiatrists and medical practitioners are also engaged as required to ensure continuity of service provision.
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