Posted October 3 2025
By Alasdair Spinner
Important News for Psychiatrists currently working in or interested in moving to NSW, including in Sydney.
Consultant Psychiatrists (Consultants are called Staff or Senior Staff Specialists in NSW) working for NSW Health will receive a new 10% attraction and retention allowance.
This new allowance is in addition to the 10% abnormal duties allowance already awarded meaning psychiatrists working in the NSW public system will now see a total uplift of 20%
This decision was handed down today by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (NSW IRC) after the NSW State Government and the Australian Salaried Medical Officers' Federation referred the issue of psychiatrist pay in NSW to the Commission for an independent decision. The NSW IRC recognised the unique challenges in psychiatry recruitment and retention.
The NSW Government's Minister for Health Rose Jackson said:
“After 12 years of wage suppression, we can now deliver a meaningful wage increase to our Staff Specialist Psychiatrists in recognition of the crucial work they do. Our psychiatrists are a valued part of the health system and we now look forward to working with them to strengthen mental health care across our state.”
This new allowance will be implemented immediately.
Get in touch to learn more about the remuneration package in NSW and psychiatry opportunities throughout the State, including Sydney.
You can review psychiatry jobs here