New National Clinical Governance Model Strengthens Focus on Psychosocial Safety
04 Jun 2026
Under the revised model, hospitals and health services are required to include psychosocial safety within their governance structures. Hospital boards and senior leaders are also responsible for fostering workplaces that support psychosocial safety, cultural safety and patient safety.
The AMA says recognising staff wellbeing as part of clinical governance is an important step toward improving both workforce conditions and patient care.
Data from the 2025 Medical Training Survey shows ongoing concerns in the medical workforce. One in three doctors in training reported experiencing or witnessing inappropriate workplace behaviour in the past year, with higher rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees.
The survey also found many trainees were dealing with high workloads, while only around half of specialist trainees felt they had sufficient access to mental health support.
Health groups say including psychosocial safety in national standards is a key move toward addressing these issues and improving workplace culture across the health system.
The AMA says it will continue to push for safer, more supportive working environments for doctors throughout Australia.
New National Clinical Governance Model Strengthens Focus on Psychosocial Safety
Source: ACSQHC / Federal AMA update