AMA Code of Ethics - changes agreed by majority of AMA Federal Council

Dr Glasson was responding to media reports suggesting that former AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, single-handedly changed the revised AMA Code of Ethics at the 'eleventh hour'.

"This suggestion is totally wrong," Dr Glasson said.

"The AMA Code of Ethics was revised over four years.

"Not only were there changes at the eleventh hour, there were changes at the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth hours, too - by many members of the AMA.

"Any proposed changes to AMA policy are raised at Federal Council, voted on, and accepted or rejected on the basis of the vote.

"Changes to the Code of Ethics were raised at the March 2003 Federal Council meeting, voted on, supported by a majority of councillors and accepted as policy.  The vote was not unanimous, and there were a few abstentions, but this is the rule and not the exception with AMA policy.

"The process was proper and correct in every way.  The AMA is a democratic member organisation where every member gets a say, but where every member does not always get their way.

"There will always be differences of opinion, but I would prefer to sort these things out internally instead of having people run off to the media with their grievances.

"As far as I'm concerned, this matter is over and the AMA will get on with the more important business of finding solutions to the medical workforce shortages and the medical indemnity crisis which are affecting all Australians.

"Dr Phelps served the AMA as President with distinction and should be allowed to pursue her private career without unnecessary and vindictive distractions like this," Dr Glasson said.

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

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