CHIEF PSYCHIATRIST
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
SA Health
Department for Health and Wellbeing
We acknowledge and respect Aboriginal peoples as the state's first peoples and nations, and recognise Aboriginal peoples as Traditional Owners and occupants of land and waters in South Australia.
Executive Summary
- Independent statutory leadership role shaping mental health care across South Australia
- High-profile opportunity to influence policy, standards and service delivery
- Work in partnership with stakeholders to drive improvement, uphold rights and foster innovation
THE OPPORTUNITY
SA Health is looking for a Chief Psychiatrist to lead and influence mental health services across the state. As the brand for South Australia’s health portfolio, SA Health brings together the Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW), SA Ambulance Service, the Commission on Excellence and Innovation in Health, Preventive Health SA, and ten Local Health Networks. DHW sets the strategic direction for the health system, supports service delivery, drives reform, and leads public health policy and planning. This is an opportunity to contribute at the highest level to a system committed to prevention, early intervention, equity, and excellence in care.
With its blend of social vibrancy, natural beauty, culinary excellence, education and liveability, Adelaide offers a welcoming and well-balanced setting in which to live, learn and thrive. It is one of the world’s most liveable cities, and South Australia is one of the more affordable places to live and work in Australia.
THE ROLE
The Chief Psychiatrist is an independent statutory officer appointed under the Mental Health Act 2009, with additional responsibilities under the Suicide Prevention Act 2021, Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935, and the Health Care Act 2008. Reporting to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing and the Chief Executive, SA Health, the role promotes continuous improvement in mental health service delivery, monitors standards of care, and safeguards the rights of consumers and carers.
The position oversees the treatment of voluntary and involuntary patients, the use of restrictive practices, and the administration of mental health legislation. It provides high-level policy advice, issues standards for patient care, and inspects public and private mental health facilities. Leading multidisciplinary teams across safety and quality, policy and legislation, and suicide prevention, the Chief Psychiatrist works closely with clinicians, consumers, carers, government agencies, and non-government organisations to implement reforms and strengthen services.
THE CANDIDATE
A Fellow, or eligible to be a Fellow, of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (or equivalent) the successful candidate will need to demonstrate:
- an ability to lead at a senior level in complex, multidisciplinary environments;
- extensive knowledge of contemporary mental health issues;
- proven expertise in policy development, service improvement, and stakeholder engagement; and
- strong influencing, negotiation and communication skills, combined with clinical credibility and a collaborative leadership style.
Please see the role description for a full list of essential requirements for this role.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch with:
Janine Hammat
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)488 555 858
E. jhammat@hardygroupintl.com
SA Health
SA Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of all South Australians by providing leadership in health reform, public health services, health and medical research, policy development and planning, with an increased focus on well being, illness prevention, early intervention and quality care.
SA Health is the brand name for the health portfolio of services and agencies responsible to our Minister, the Minister for Health and Wellbeing.
The portfolio consists of the:
- Department for Health and Wellbeing
- SA Ambulance Service
- Commission on Excellence and Innovation in Health
- Preventive Health SA
- Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network
- Central Adelaide Local Health Network
- Eyre and Far North Local Health Network
- Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network
- Limestone Coast Local Health Network
- Northern Adelaide Local Health Network
- Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network
- Women’s and Children’s Health Network
- Yorke and Northern Local Health Network
Our vision
South Australians experience the best health in Australia.
We can achieve this vision by individuals, families, our staff, other health providers and government or non-government agencies working together.
To achieve this we will work to:
- prevent chronic disease, communicable disease and injury, and prevent exacerbation of established chronic disease
- partner with individuals, families and communities to enhance their health and wellbeing
- support individuals and their families through recovery
- create healthier neighbourhoods and communities
- respond when needed to manage acute conditions and injuries
- assist individuals and families to adapt to changes in their health and wellbeing over time, including at end of life
- protect against public and environmental health risks and adapt to climate change.
Our mission
Our mission at SA Health is to lead and deliver a comprehensive and sustainable health system that aims to ensure healthier, longer and better lives for all South Australians.
We will achieve our objectives by:
- strengthening primary health care
- enhancing hospital care
- reforming mental health care
- improving the health of Aboriginal people
- committing to a health system that produces positive health outcomes by focusing on health promotion, illness prevention and early intervention.
We will work with other government agencies and the community to address the environmental, socioeconomic, biological and behavioural determinants of health, and to achieve equitable health outcomes for all South Australians.
Our values
The values of SA Health are used to indicate the type of conduct required by our employees and the conduct that our customers can expect from our health service:
- We are committed to the values of integrity, respect and accountability.
- We value care, excellence, innovation, creativity, leadership and equity in health care provision and health outcomes.
- We demonstrate our values in our interactions with others in SA Health, the community, and those for whom we care.
Department for Health and Wellbeing
The Department for Health and Wellbeing assists the Minister for Health and Wellbeing, to set the policy framework and strategic directions for SA Health.
The department supports the delivery of public health services, formulates health policy, facilitates public and consumer consultation on health issues, and monitors the performance of South Australia’s health system by providing timely advice, research and administrative support.
Office of the Chief Psychiatrist
The Chief Psychiatrist is an independent statutory officer who holds powers, functions and responsibilities as prescribed by the Mental Health Act 2009. The Chief Psychiatrist’s functions are:
- Promoting continuous improvement in the organisation and delivery of mental health services
- Monitoring the treatment of voluntary and involuntary patients and the use of restrictive practices
- Monitoring the administration of the Act and the standard of mental health care
- Advising the Minister on issues relating to mental health and any concerns about care or treatment of patients in South Australia.
The Chief Psychiatrist has governance and oversight responsibility for monitoring and influencing mental health care for the community and can issue standards for the care or treatment of patients as well as visit and inspect public and private hospitals’ premises.
The Chief Psychiatrist reports to the Minister for Health and Wellbeing and to the Chief Executive, SA Health.
The Chief Psychiatrist is supported by a team of people who assist him in meeting his statutory responsibilities whilst ensuring the rights of people with lived experience of mental illness are upheld.
The Chief Psychiatrist produces an Annual Report for the Parliament.
Find out more at Office of the Chief Psychiatrist | SA Health
Role Specification
The Chief Psychiatrist is an independent statutory officer who holds powers, functions and responsibilities as prescribed by the Mental Health Act 2009. The Chief Psychiatrist’s functions are:
- Promoting continuous improvement in the organisation and delivery of mental health services
- Monitoring the treatment of voluntary and involuntary patients and the use of restrictive practices
- Monitoring the administration of the Act and the standard of mental health care
- Advising the Minister on issues relating to mental health and any concerns about care or treatment of patients in South Australia.
The Chief Psychiatrist is appointed by the Governor under section 89 of the Mental Health Act 2009 to perform the functions set out in section 90 of that Act. In addition, the Chief Psychiatrist administers powers and functions derived from the Suicide Prevention Act 2021, Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 and the Health Care Act 2008.
As a member of the Department’s Senior Executive Committee, the Chief Psychiatrist will contribute to the promotion and provision of effective leadership, vision and strategic initiatives to ensure SA Health delivers valued and quality services to the community.
Administration of powers and functions derived from the Mental Health Act 2009, Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935, Suicide Prevention Act 2021, and the Health Care Act 2008. Implementation of powers and functions assigned by the Minister for Health and Wellbeing and the Chief Executive, DHW.
- Promote continuous improvement in the organisation and the delivery of effective mental health services in South Australia.
- Monitor the treatment of voluntary patients and patients to whom detention and treatment orders apply, and the use of restrictive practices in relation to such patients.
- Monitor the administration of the Mental Health Act 2009 and the standard of mental health care provided in South Australia.
- Advise the Minister or delegate on issues relating to mental health and report to the Minister any matters of concern relating to the care or treatment of patients.
- Provide any other functions assigned to the Chief Psychiatrist by the Mental Health Act 2009 or any other Act or by the Minister or delegate.
- Issue standards that are to be observed in the care or treatment of patients.
- Undertake the role of the Chief Psychiatrist as set out in Chapter 8 of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935.
- Lead the Safety and Quality, Mental Health Legislation and Policy, and Suicide Prevention Team’s; and undertake independent statutory duties for DHW across these areas.
- Plays an oversight role supporting the human rights of people who experience a mental health condition and their carers and families. A member of the Suicide Prevention Council and may make recommendations relating to suicide prevention in accordance with S29 of the Suicide Prevention Act 2021.
Annual Report requirements
- Provide advice to the Minister in the capacity as an independent statutory role.
- Plan an annual reporting strategy to ensure adherence to S92 of the Mental Health Act 2009.
- The Chief Psychiatrist must, before 30 September in each year, present a report, the details of which are outlined in the Mental Health Act 2009.
Stakeholder relationships and consultation
- Ensure that effective consultation and participation mechanisms are established to inform and provide input to the Mental Health planning and policy framework and that South Australia is involved and represented in national mental health reforms by:
- Key stakeholder management, particularly with external stakeholders at a local and national level to build sound service alliances and partnerships;
- Working collaboratively with other Department for Health and Wellbeing Divisions for the integration of planning and policy processes to ensure the achievement of the portfolio’s strategic directions;
- Providing high level policy advice at relevant forums;
- Participating in the development of National Mental Health Policy and Strategy;
- Ensuring effective analysis of National policy proposals and programs; and
- Monitoring and reporting on South Australia’s performance against agreed National performance indicators.
View the full scope of these in the Position Description.
Educational/Vocational Qualifications
- A qualification which enables registration with the Medical Board of South Australia as a Medical Practitioner.
- Membership or Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists or equivalent.
- (desirable) Appropriate qualifications in Management, Health, or Health Related discipline.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills:
- Outstanding leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire others to work together to achieve objectives.
- Demonstrated high level strategic thinking, planning and policy development skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effect change and influence others in responding to change.
- Extensive understanding of contemporary mental health service development issues.
- Demonstrated ability to lead inter-agency and multi-disciplinary teams and develop and maintain relationships that will encourage co-operation, empowerment, and support.
- Outstanding ability to communicate with and understand the needs of a wide range of stakeholders in the Government and non-Government sector.
- Demonstrated ability to earn the trust and respect of consumers and carers who may possess a diverse range of values.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate at senior levels in the government and non-Government sector.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse and conceptualise problems, formulate and execute appropriate solutions and negotiate successful outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a leadership team to provide a consistent direction for services.
Experience
- Proven senior management experience in high level strategic planning and policy development, implementation, and evaluation in a health-related service area.
- Experience in providing leadership in cross cultural and complex multi-disciplinary settings, in a climate of continuing change.
- Previous experience in a clinical or service leadership role at a senior level.
- Proven experience in the management of major change programs aimed at increasing the effectiveness and accountability of organisations and/or programs.
- Experience in the successful management of a team to achieve corporate objectives.
- Experience in the management of a significant budget.
- Experience in program evaluation and continuous improvement programs.
- Experience in strategic State and Commonwealth relationships that relate to health and mental health service provision.
- Experience in complex service planning, development and implementation
- Experience in inter-jurisdictional relations and negotiations at a high level.
- Experience in negotiation with clinical leaders.
- (desirable) Experience in negotiation with the non-Government sector for the delivery of services.
Knowledge
- A sound knowledge of public health system operations at a National and State level, particularly as they relate to mental health services.
- A demonstrated awareness of the political and socio-economic sensitivities that impact on the planning, development, funding, delivery, and management of health services.
- Demonstrated ability to manage within allocated resources to deliver efficient customer focussed services.
- (desirable) An understanding of emerging directions within the health industry in South Australia, nationally and internationally.
- (desirable) Knowledge of Public Sector management aims, personnel management standards and employee conduct standards, in particular Equal Employment Opportunity and Worker Health and Safety requirements.
- Annual Budget: $3.7m
- Staffing of OCP – a total of 15.7 FTE including 4 FTE funded through Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN).
- Executive Team – 2.3 FTE including Chief Psychiatrist, Deputy Chief Psychiatrist & Executive Assistant
- Legislative and Policy Team – 5.0 FTE including Manager, Principal Policy Officer, Principal Training Officer, Senior Adviser, Information Coordinator.
- Suicide Prevention Team – 2.2 FTE including Principal Suicide Prevention Officers, Clinical Data Analytics Project Officer.
- Safety and Quality Team – 2.2 FTE (employed by OCP) - Safety and Quality Project Officers (Safety and quality monitoring, inspections, investigations).
- Safety and Quality Team employed by CALHN for the OCP. These staff have strategic and work reporting lines to the Chief Psychiatrist but have line management reporting within CALHN. 4 FTE including a Manager, Nurse Consultants, Administrative Support Officer.
- Aboriginal Mental Health and Lived Experience Staff, although based in the Mental Health Strategy and Planning Unit, undertake work for both units. Business management support is also provided from the Mental Health Strategy and Planning Unit.
Please speak with the HG Principal Consultant about remuneration for this role
Major challenges currently associated with the role include:
- Overseeing the administration of the Mental Health Act.
- Ensuring the governance and oversight for monitoring and influencing mental health care for the community.
- Issuing standards for the care or treatment of patients as well as visit and inspect public and private hospitals’ premises.
- Establishing and maintaining strategic relationships, alliances and networks with a range of key stakeholders within SA Health and across government.
SA Health Challenges:
The health system is facing the challenges of an ageing population, increased incidence of chronic disease, workforce shortages, and ageing infrastructure. The SA Health Care Plan has been developed to meet these challenges and ensure South Australian’s have access to the best available health care in hospitals, health care centres and through GPs and other providers.
Service Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Classification: PSYCH01
Division: Office of the Chief Psychiatrist
Special Conditions / General Requirements:
- It is mandatory to provide, prior to appointment, a satisfactory current Criminal and Relevant History Screening Check, as required by the SA Health Criminal and Relevant History Screening Policy Directive, and to meet any immunisation requirements outlined in the Immunisation for Health Care Workers in South Australia Policy Directive.
- Actively participate in the SA Public Sector biannual performance review process requirements.
- Adhere to the parameters of various legislative requirements including, but not limited to, Public Sector Act 2009, Health Care Act 2008, Work Health & Safety Act 2012 (SA), Return to Work Act 2014 (SA), relevant Regulations, and associated SA Health Policies and practices.
- Uphold the Code of Ethics for the Australian Public Sector requirements, work within the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment’s Directives, Determinations and Guidelines, and espouse the SA Health Values of Integrity, Respect, and Accountability.
- Adhere to the reporting requirements of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 2012 (SA).
- As a WHS Defined Officer exercise due diligence to ensure compliance with S27 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) and will take reasonably practicable steps to enable an effective health and safety culture and accountability across SA Health, in accordance with the Act.
- Support the Department in its participation in the White Ribbon, Disability, and Reconciliation Agendas, and/or their successors.
- Promote and maintain a commitment to an inclusive workplace that employs and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other under-represented groups, and advocate Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity, including the prevention of bullying, harassment, and intimidation.
- Create an inclusive and responsive environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers are welcomed, valued and respected for their cultural knowledge and lived experiences. Our commitment extends to enhancing culturally safe workplaces by investing in our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, aligning with the SA Health Aboriginal Workforce Framework.
- Elevate the cultural capability of our non-Aboriginal staff, ensuring they can drive meaningful improvements in the health system, policies, planning and practices. This ensures our services are responsive to the cultural needs identified by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Department for Health and Wellbeing website
Department for Health and Wellbeing organisational chart
SA Health organisational chart
Chief Psychiatrist - SA Health
Office of the Chief Psychiatrist - SA Health
Annual Report of the Chief Psychiatrist - SA Health
SA Health Mental Health Services Plan - SA Health
South Australian Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2020-2025
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 14 September 2025
The reference number to include in your application is H25_5199
Note: Please use the HardyGroup online platform to submit your application. It will not be accepted via email.
If you require assistance in submitting your application online, please get in touch with Executive Search Coordinator, Bradie Hammat: M: +61 (0)417 882 900 / E: bhammat@hardygroupintl.com
Your application must include:
- 1.Cover letter addressed to the Principal Consultant;
- 2.A written response addressing the key abilities, experience and knowledge; and
- 3.An up to date copy of your Curriculum Vitae.
It Is standard practice for HardyGroup to acknowledge receipt of your application no later than the next business day. We request that if you do not receive the acknowledgement, you contact the search coordinator listed above as soon as possible after the 24-hour business period and arrange to resend your application if necessary.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Janine Hammat
HardyGroup Principal Consultant
M. +61 (0)488 555 858
E. jhammat@hardygroupintl.com
LIVING AND WORKING IN ADELAIDE
Adelaide enjoys a reputation for remarkable liveability thanks to its pleasant climate, manageable size and relaxed South Australian pace.
With warm summers, mild winters and generally clear skies, the city balances sophisticated urban living with a laid-back lifestyle, all framed by easy access to coastal and wine-region escapes.
The city has a vibrant cultural identity, with festivals, local music and a strong dining scene thriving across neighbourhood precincts. Known as the Festival State, South Australia hosts a packed calendar of cultural and culinary celebrations, including the world's second-largest Fringe Festival, Adelaide Festival, and Tasting Australia. The city also holds international and national sporting events, with the iconic Adelaide Oval as a centrepiece for sport and entertainment.
Adelaide Oval roof climbers take on the challenge during an Ashes cricket test (Credit)
Leafy suburbs offer both charm and community spirit, and many people appreciate the short commuting distances, affordable housing, and the distinctive character of areas such as North Adelaide, Norwood, Unley and the beachside suburbs of Glenelg and Henley Beach.
Golden hour at Glenelg Beach (Credit)
The Adelaide Botanic Gardens are a green serene paradise in the middle of the city (Credit)
Nature is never far away. Just 20 minutes from the city centre are pristine beaches, hills made for hiking, and the surrounding park lands that wrap around the CBD. Beyond Adelaide, regional South Australia offers dramatic landscapes, national parks, and abundant wildlife - from rugged coastlines to outback ranges and hidden caves.
Education is well catered for across metropolitan Adelaide, with a mix of high-quality public and private schools and several world-class tertiary institutions including the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and Flinders University.
A barrel at Yalumba Wines, Angaston (Credit)
Food and wine are central to life in Adelaide, with a proud reputation as one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World. The city is home to top chefs, boutique producers, and the iconic Adelaide Central Market - one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere.
With its blend of social vibrancy, natural beauty, culinary excellence, education and liveability, Adelaide offers a welcoming and well-balanced setting in which to live, learn and thrive.
ABOUT US
HardyGroup’s (HG) mission is simple
Find and Grow Great Leaders - and we have been doing exactly that for more than 30 years in public and private health, primary, community and aged care as well as the broader public service.
Our synergistic business model of Executive Search and Recruitment integrated with Executive Leadership and Learning is our unique point of difference.
It ensures our clients can count on us for the lifecycle of their organisations leadership journey and why we are regarded as the leading trans-Tasman partner agency by clients.
When engaging HG you can be confident in a deeply personalised experience and service as nothing matters more to us than relationships and results.