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Objectives: The present paper aims to: (i) describe how the Mental Health Commission in New Zealand works and has contributed to the substantial enhancement of mental health resources and services; (ii) determine whether mental health reform policies will ever be implemented properly without an independent monitor with official influence at the highest levels of government; and (iii) demonstrate how variants on this model work in other Western countries and how it can be adapted to the Federated system in Australia.Conclusions: It is recommended that the Australian National Mental Health Plan 2003-2008 should be complemented by a long-standing national mental health commission (or similarly constituted body), which is also able to report independently from and to the government, with direct access to the Prime Minister, Premiers and Australian Health Ministers. Its aims would be to monitor service effectiveness and identify gaps in service provision, training and performance of the work force, management and government. It would be informed by consumer, carer and provider experience, and by reviews of evidence-based research regarding health needs and cost-effective services. It should accurately cost such service gaps, and advise government on a strategy for implementing them. It could also promote and advise formally on enhancing community awareness, decreasing stigma and discrimination and improving workforce recruitment and retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports that a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) discussion paper has identified a number of strategies to address the shortage of psychiatrists and the recruitment of trainee psychiatrists. Paper presented by RANZCP to the Australian Department of Health and Aging; Commitment of the RANZCP to developing effective partnerships with a range of mental health professions.

The article pays tribute to Anne Dunn, a member of the Australian & New Zealand Communication Association (ANZCA), discusses the conference of the organization in Adelaide, South Australia, and its initiatives from 2011-2012. It mentions the life and works of Dunn within ANZCA. It notes the attendees of the conference which is jointly hosted by Australian universities. It also emphasizes the discussion the continuouas development of the ANZA website.

This section offers news briefs for the evaluation sector. The Sri Lanka Evaluation Association 2011 International Conference: Evaluation for Policy and Action will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from June 8 to 9, 2011 to address recent developments in evaluation sector. Aotearoa New Zealand Evaluation Association Conference 2011: Evaluation in a Changing Landscape - People, Politics, and Policy will be held in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand from August 8 to 11, 2011 to addresses policies and political issues of the country.

Discusses the issues facing the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). Need to deal with the parlous state of mental health services in Australia and New Zealand; Shortage of beds for the acutely disturbed patients; Inadequate community-based services; Difficulties in gaining access to services for people with psychiatric disorders.

The article presents information on problems related to retaining of psychiatrists in New Zealand. According to the Medical Council of New Zealand workforce survey of 2000, the number of new overseas-trained doctors registering permanently in New Zealand during the previous 3 years decreased by 50 percent compared with the 3 year period prior to 1995. A lack of administrative support and validation, low pay, responsibility without authority, and pressure to sign documents related to patients unknown to them, were factors rampant in New Zealand and which resulted in job dissatisfaction.

Presents a summary of the decisions of the General Council of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) at its meeting in Melbourne, Australia in October 2004. Strategic issues; Education and training; College affairs; Financial affairs; Professional affairs.