The Health Gap: What Australia’s Crisis Means for ANU Students

By Amelia Gordon

Australia is currently facing a significant health and GP crisis with both national and regional challenges impacting essential services. 

In the ACT, these issues are particularly pronounced, with many residents struggling to obtain timely and adequate care. Factors such as wait times, shortage of mental health professionals, lack of practicing GPs and systemic barriers are contributing to the ongoing crisis.

In August 2024, the Department of Health and Aged Care released a research paper into General Practitioners and the strain of healthcare on the nation. The paper projects a growing shortage of workers in the ACT, with the gap expected to widen by 2028. 

The ACT has fewer practicing GPs per capita than the national average.

ANU students are facing similar challenges with a shortage of GPs and an understaffed ANU Counselling Centre and ANU Medical Centre. Historically, a major barrier with the campus services has been long waitlists as well as a skill mismatch between patients and previous staff.

At the end of last year, the ANU announced that its Medical Centre would be without any GPs for the start of the 2025 academic year. While there were nurse practitioners, they were limited in being able to provide mental health care plans and were unable to prescribe all medications. 

As a result of the staffing changes, the availability of ANU Medical Centre appointments have been reduced. The demand for services has outweighed the available workforce, with students reporting to have waited weeks or months for an appointment. 

Sonali Varma is a recent ANU Graduate & Mental Health Advocate and member of the ANU’s Mental Health Review Task Force 2024. Varma mentioned there are more barriers being faced by students with disabilities, international students, and those who identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Colour (BIPOC).

“Students who need more specialised therapy, support for certain conditions, or culturally sensitive care often struggle to find practitioners who can meet their needs,” Varma stated.

Limited appointment availability at the ANU Medical Centre has made it difficult for students to renew prescriptions promptly. International students on OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) encounter additional hurdles with prescription coverage and pharmacy costs. Students who identify as Indigenous and or BIPOC have reported experiences of microaggressions within the ANU Community, a lack of culturally sensitive and informed services as well as a feeling of being misunderstood by the existing healthcare system. 

“A major focus of the 2024 Mental Health Review is addressing the social determinants of mental health. We need a proactive approach that prioritises prevention, rather than waiting until students are in crisis.” 

Varma outlines “a key part of this is building a campus culture that is kind, inclusive and psychologically safe.”

“We do have the ANU Psychology Clinic – while it’s relatively affordable compared to private clinics, it has limited intake so access can still be an issue”.

 “Another barrier is cost (for students). ANU Counselling is free as it doesn’t require a mental health care plan, making it one of the most affordable options for students. However, it’s a short-term service and many students eventually need longer-term care.”

Despite these challenges, ANU is working to address these shortages for students and staff. 

Upon questioning by Observer, an ANU Spokesperson confirmed the recruitment process for new doctors to join the Medical Centre team is ongoing. 

They further stated “the University will soon welcome a new GP and Nurse Practitioners, and further updates will be provided to the community as the process continues.”

“ANU has attempted to help the ACT Government address the local GP shortage by requesting 50 additional places per year in the medical program from the Commonwealth, however the request has not been approved by the Minister for Education.”

“In addition to the Medical Centre, ANU also offers Counselling and Student Safety and Wellbeing support. Students can book an appointment by visiting the ANU Health, Safety, and Wellbeing webpage”.

“ANU’s Clinical Intake staff help triage students to ensure they receive care within an appropriate timeframe or are redirected to other relevant services. The Counselling team consists of nine Counsellors and two Senior Counsellors, while the Student Safety and Wellbeing team includes five Case Managers who provide case management support and oversee the University’s Harmful Behaviours Disclosure Tool.”

“Additionally, the ANU Psychology Clinic will welcome a new cohort of 14 provisional psychologists commencing their placement in April. More information is available on the Clinic’s website.”

Seeking Support

The safety and well-being of students remain a top priority. Those needing help are encouraged to reach out and utilise the available services. ANU also recommends that students with ongoing medical needs find a regular GP to ensure continuity of care and medication access.

For students looking for additional mental health resources, the following support options are available:

• MindMap ACT – Call 1800 862 111 or email [email protected] for guidance on mental health and wellbeing services.
• ANU Mental Health Review Taskforce – Opportunities for students and staff to get involved in shaping mental health policy and services on campus.

Students and staff can also provide feedback on services through the University Services Feedback Form or the Medical Centre’s Patient Feedback Form.

Graphics by Shé Chani

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