AMA Queensland hears from Toowoomba doctors
As part of his commitment to hear from doctors across the state, AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim attended the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Local Medical Association AGM.
The Downs region was in the spotlight when AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim attended the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Local Medical Association (TDDLMA) AGM on 2 October.
AMA Queensland is committed to visiting and hearing from as many doctors as possible across the state to inform our advocacy and policy priorities. The Toowoomba meeting follows visits to Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Redcliffe since June 2024.
Dr Yim gave the meeting an update on AMA Queensland advocacy, including the recently announced commitment by the LNP to exempt general practice from payroll tax if it forms government after the 26 October election.
The commitment is welcome, but AMA Queensland is calling for it to be extended to all private practices, and for Labor to match the promise.
Payroll tax has been a pressing concern for many members in the Toowoomba region, many of whom have been in direct contact with their local MP and candidates on the issue.
Dr Yim also spoke about workforce shortages, the dangers of role substitution for patient safety and future doctor numbers, the need for more medical students in regional areas, and incentives to retain the existing workforce in the regions.
Members discussed the newly co-located Toowoomba Hospital, due for completion in late 2027. While they were generally positive about the new facility, they raised concerns about the need for appropriate investment and for consultation with medical staff.
They also raised the University of Queensland medical student training program that began in Toowoomba this year. While very supportive of regional training and the role medical students can play, they are concerned that the workload for supervising doctors may lead to burnout for clinicians and a less positive experience for students. There must be careful and considered implementation with genuine support and investment to ensure regional training programs succeed and provide pathways to specialist programs that will see a real shift in the workforce and services offered in the regions
Dr Yim assured the meeting he would take the concerns to Queensland Health and other authorities for action.
