Canberra doctors to protest against Federal Government's medical indemnity IBNR levy

AMA ACT President, Dr Ian Pryor, who will lead the march, said today that the levy will force some doctors to consider their futures in medicine or radically change their practices, and it is inevitable that the levy will be passed on to patients in the form of higher fees for medical services.

"The IBNR levy is a new tax on patients," Dr Pryor said.

The doctors - many decked out in white coats and stethoscopes - will gather outside AMA House, 42 Macquarie Street, Barton, at 8.30am, and march up Kings Avenue to the area opposite the forecourt at Parliament House.

Media are welcome to come out and meet the doctors and hear first-hand their individual stories about how medical indemnity and the IBNR levy will have a devastating impact on doctors and patients in Canberra, the same as it will negatively affect access and affordability of health services for all Australians.

IBNR Levy Protest by ACT Doctors:

Who:                More than 40 Canberra doctors, many in white coats and stethoscopes

Time:                8.30am outside AMA House, 42 Macquarie Street, Barton

                        9.00am opposite the forecourt, Parliament House, Canberra

Date:                Wednesday, 17 September 2003

Venue:              AMA House, then a march up Kings Avenue to gather opposite the Parliament House forecourt.

CONTACT:    Christine Brill, AMA ACT, (02) 6270 5410

                  Dr Ian Pryor, (0409) 440 364