Australian Medical Association

The AMA has developed a Privacy Resource handbook to help doctors comply with the Privacy Act 1988.

The Resource handbook is based on the Privacy Act 1988 in force as at 1 July 2010.

The AMA intends to update this Resource Book if the proposed changes become law.

AMA comments on the Review of Australian Privacy Law, Discussion Paper 72

Information Sheet

Information for members who currently work for DVA on a contract basis or are contemplating doing so through the current tendering process.

Part B (3): This type of clause, whilst providing maximum flexibility for both parties, provides minimal contractual security. It would be preferable to have defined reasons for cancellation. This improves security and removes the potential for unfair conduct and retributive behaviour.

Part B (4): Compensation should be incorporated if the contract is cancelled outside the terms contained in a revised Part B (3) or clause 22.

Parts J-M contain no information and obviously need fleshing out.

1.3 Add: "DVA will provide sufficient time and resources to permit the handover to occur".

1.5 At what point does survival end, or is it in perpetuity?

2.2 This can be used to effectively terminate the contract without reason, without notice, circumventing Part B (3) where the contractor simply cannot provide an alternative. For example, if the person removed has a specialized skill set, it may not be possible to replace them.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) engages a number of doctors as contract medical advisers. They work in DVA offices and interact with DVA staff and processes on a daily basis, but they are engaged as contractors, not employees. DVA has reviewed its arrangements for health advisers (includes medical, dental and allied health professionals) and has gone to tender for new contracts.

The AMA has lodged a submisison to the Senate's Inquiry into the Privacy Act 1988.

The Federal Government commissioned a Review of Competitive Neutrality in the Medical Insurence Market. This Review was headed by Mr Graham Rogers whose Report was delivered to Government in March 2005 and subsequently publicly released.

The AMA has lodged the following submision in answer to the call from the Federal Privacy Commissioner's request for comments on the Review of the Private Sector Provisions of the Privacy Act 1988.