AMA will seek collaborative working relationship with new Shadow Health Minister
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, said today the AMA would seek a meeting at the earliest opportunity with the new Shadow Health Minister, Julia Gillard.
Dr Glasson said Ms Gillard is entering the health portfolio at a crucial time.
"Medicare, medical workforce and medical indemnity issues will dominate the political landscape from now until the next election," Dr Glasson said.
"Health is the number one policy area for Australian voters - as confirmed by Newspoll last week - and it is important that Ms Gillard knows where the AMA stands on the key issues.
"Our policies are based on feedback from grassroots doctors and their patients from every electorate in Australia and offer long-term solutions beyond the three-year electoral cycle.
"With Australia facing a serious medical workforce shortage, it is important that the Shadow Health Minister listens to what we have to say in the same way that the Health Minister, Senator Patterson, listens to what we say.
"Ms Gillard has risen quickly to this important portfolio and the AMA looks forward to working with her to promote policies that will ensure access and affordability in Australia's health system," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306