Joint Statement by Assistant Treasurer, Senator Helen Coonan and AMA Federal President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, Sydney

• The directors of UMP/AMIL will seek the appointment of a provisional liquidator through the courts.
• The Government and the AMA will work with the provisional liquidator, if appointed, to explore alternatives regarding the future of United Medical Protection (UMP).
• It has been agreed that full liquidation of UMP may not be inevitable, subject to exploring options to keep the UMP group intact.
• The Commonwealth has agreed to give priority to the development of a national scheme for the care and rehabilitation of severely injured patients.
• The Commonwealth, in consultation with the AMA, will draft legislation that will guarantee the short-term security of claims incurred from Monday 29 April until Sunday 30 June 2002. This legislation will be presented to Parliament before the end of June.
• An outstanding issue of concern from today's meeting remains what happens with the so-called 'tail' - past claims. This issue will be addressed at the earliest opportunity following the appointment of the provisional liquidator.
• The Commonwealth and the AMA will meet with the provisional liquidator in the next few days following the liquidator's initial assessment of UMP to further progress today's outcomes.
• The AMA welcomes the Government's commitment to legislation to provide short-term security for doctors insured by UMP to continue working until 30 June.

Contacts: Senator Coonan's office: Shaun Anthony, 0438 690 305

AMA: John Flannery, 0419 494 761