GP elected as AMA President
Victorian GP, Dr Tony Bartone, was elected new President of the Federal AMA at the recent AMA National Conference, replacing Dr Michael Gannon whose two-year term has come to an end. Dr Chris Zappala was elected new AMA Vice President.
Dr Bartone, the immediate past Vice President of the Federal AMA, is a former President of AMA Victoria. In a passionate speech to delegates, Dr Bartone spoke about how the dedication and care that his family GP showed to his father during a serious health crisis inspired him to pursue a vocation in medicine.
“I now want to fight for Australia’s doctors so that they can continue to deliver the same quality health care that my father received,” Dr Bartone said.
“General practice has been systematically starved of funding, putting at risk its very survival. The AMA, under my leadership, has the solutions. A GP President will send a message. Our Health Minister needs to understand the time for rhetoric is over. We need to see real action now.”
“We will have a Federal Election in the next year, and I am ready for any early election call,” Dr Bartone said.
Dr Chris Zappala was elected Vice President. Dr Zappala is a Brisbane thoracic and sleep physician, current AMA Board member, former AMA Federal Councillor, and former AMA Queensland President.
Transcript: AMA President Dr Tony Bartone, Press Conference, 27 May 2018
Speech – AMA President Dr Tony Bartone – AMA National Conference, 27 May 2018
Speech – Outgoing AMA President Dr Michael Gannon – AMA National Conference, 25 May 2018
