VICDOC Autumn 2023 - Magazine - Page 59
T H E POL I CY D ES K
AMAV
ADV CACY
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Click here if you have a
policy issue you would
like to discuss, or have
some feedback about
our priorities.
After a successful 2022, a State Election year where we had
a number of our policy proposals adopted and announced by
the returned Government, the start to 2023 has continued
to be a busy time as issues as diverse as the future financial
sustainability of general practice, health service information
sharing, the management of human sources, the reform of
AHPRA, the future of e-scooters, eating disorder treatment,
and mental health reform have all come across the
policy desk. The following provides a snapshot of our recent
policy and advocacy activities on behalf of members.
COMMENCEMENT OF VICTORIAN
PARLIAMENT FOR 2023POLITICAL ADVOCACY
Since Victorian Parliament
commenced sitting for
2023 on 2 February, AMA
Victoria has met with
senior politicians from
the ALP, Liberal Party,
National Party, and Greens
to advocate for members
and the Victorian medical
profession on a variety
of fronts.
Amongst other issues, we
have held discussions on:
» Putting general practice
on a more sustainable
footing (at the state
level, this can be done
by incentivising junior
-
doctors to take up
a career in general
practice through
adoption of a single
employer model for
GP registrars, and,
for those already in
practice, by abandoning
retrospectively applied
payroll tax assessments
and putting in place a
moratorium period for
payroll tax liability);
» Concerns regarding the
Victorian pharmacy
prescribing trial (we
conveyed in no uncertain
terms our view that this
is a retrograde step for
Victoria and the health
of all Victorians).
» reasserting the
importance of the
medical model in the
mental health reform
process (this can be
achieved by drawing upon
the wisdom/insights of
medical practitioners at
the clinical coalface, and
by re-orientating funding
priorities towards acute
medically required care).
» Addressing profound
structural and cultural
issues within the
Victorian Institute of
Forensic Medicine.
» Proactive planning for
the closure of Epworth
Geelong Maternity
Services.
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