The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of the AMA National Conference in Darwin. The new AMA Fellows are:

DR ANTHONY JOHN BUZZARD (VIC)

Anthony Buzzard joined the AMA in 1966.

Dr Buzzard, through his role on the Joint Standing Committee and through his deep understanding of statutory compensation schemes, was able to offer the AMA expert advice in the white-hot battle to establish disability thresholds for compensation in the tort law reform campaign.

Dr Buzzard has demonstrated, through his forty years as a member of the AMA, a desire and willingness to promote the aims and objectives of the AMA.

By undertaking other significant professional and community responsibilities he helps to promote the image and extend the influence of the AMA.

DR GEOFFREY JOHN DOBB (WA)

Professor Dobb has represented the Australian Medical Association on a broad range of issues including trust funds, indemnity, funding, resourcing, ethical and legal matters.

Professor Dobb's commitment to the Australian Medical Association, his advocacy on behalf of its members and the respect with which he is held, demonstrate his ability, contribution, achievement and standing.

The tireless service he has given the AMA over many years more than merits his admission as a Fellow of the Australian Medical Association.

DR ROBERT HAROLD HEMLEY (VIC)

Harry Hemley has consistently demonstrated, through his decade long commitment to the AMA Victoria Section of General Practice and State Council - and as a nominee of AMA Victoria to important committees - a commitment to the aims and objectives of the AMA.

Dr Hemley has a long commitment to providing medical services to night shelters for the homeless run by charitable organisations in the inner suburbs of Melbourne.

He also took up the responsibility of managing a hospice for the homeless.

He continues to provide health services on an honorary basis to St Vincent De Paul in Melbourne.

DR DAVID WILLIAM LEEMBRUGGEN (VIC)

Dr Leembruggen's has long played an active role in representing the views of rural Victoria to the AMA at both National and State levels.

In turn, he has represented the AMA's views in work with government and statutory authorities.

His tireless efforts have been of significant benefit to the AMA and the profession as a whole.

Dr David Leembruggen has made a worthy contribution to the AMA and is a well-qualified candidate for admittance to the Roll of Fellows.

DR ARUN GANESH MAHAJANI (NT)

Dr Mahajani joined the AMA in 1977 and has been a member of the AMA Northern Territory since 1981.

Dr Mahajani has been on the AMA Northern Territory Council since at least 1995 and has provided consistent support to the AMA Northern Territory over that period.

In 2003, Dr Mahajani was made Honorary Historian of the AMA Northern Territory and given Honorary membership to the AMA Northern Territory Executive Council in recognition of all the work he has done for the AMA Northern Territory over the years.

DR THOMAS JOSEPH McENIERY (QLD)

Dr McEniery has always displayed an interest in finance and economics.

In 1994, he graduated with a Bachelor of Economics from the University of Queensland. This was the catalyst that propelled Thomas into the AMA spotlight.

He became a Councillor of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Medical Association in 1994 and a member of the Executive in that same year.

In 1996, Thomas assumed the responsibility of Honorary Treasurer for the Branch, a position he held until 2002.

Under his stewardship, AMA Queensland achieved a financial stability that has ensured the future growth of the Association.

Aside from the commitment Thomas has made to AMA Queensland, he has also contributed much to the broader AMA family.

DR ANDREW FRANCESCO PESCE (NSW)

The AMA (NSW) nominated Dr Andrew Pesce for election to the AMA Roll of Fellows for his outstanding contribution to the AMA on medical indemnity.

He campaigned rigorously to reduce the burden of Medical Indemnity insurance on doctors throughout Australia and he was instrumental in the AMA achieving financial relief for doctors and tort law reform.

Dr Pesce has worked directly with both bureaucrats and politicians on medical indemnity issues, and has been instrumental in achieving AMA objectives.

DR IAN RICHARD PRYOR (ACT)

Dr Ian Pryor first joined the ACT AMA Branch Council in 1990, retired in 1992 and was re-elected in 1996 as Treasurer, a position he held until 2000.

In 2000, Dr Pryor was elected as President Elect and assumed the Presidency in 2001, a position he held until May 2004.

It was during Dr Pryor's presidency that the UMP-precipitated medical indemnity crisis threatened the delivery of medical services to children and young people in the ACT. He played a prominent role in attaining medical indemnity and tort law reform.

DR JOHN MICHAEL RIDLEY (NSW)

The AMA (NSW) nominated Dr Michael Ridley for election to the AMA Roll of Fellows for his services to the AMA and to the medical profession.

His commitment to the AMA is equalled by that to his local community.

Dr Ridley has been a rural medical practitioner since coming to Australia from England in 1960.

Since 1963 he has practised in Coffs Harbour, where he is greeted as "Doc".

In a manner typical of rural doctors, Dr Ridley has devoted himself not only to health and hospital care in his own community, but to local sporting clubs and voluntary organisations.

27 May 2005

CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761

Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306