Common sense prevails with competition policy inquiry
The AMA warmly welcomes the Government's decision to conduct an inquiry into national competition policy and its effects in country Australia.
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today the inquiry follows a long and concerted campaign by the AMA and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia to protect the interests of rural doctors and their patients.
Dr Phelps said there must be changes in the policy to restore some security and certainty to rural doctors who have been placed under enormous pressure by the ACCC over work practices, particularly rosters.
"The trouble with the Trade Practices Act and the way it is applied to medical practice is that it does not take reality into consideration," Dr Phelps said.
"Competition policy should never have been allowed to compromise the provision of vital medical and health services in rural, regional and remote Australia," Dr Phelps said.
The AMA acknowledges the Deputy Prime Minister Mr John Anderson's strong support for an inquiry to consider the situation facing rural doctors under the Trade Practices Act.
CONTACT: Sarah Bucknell (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076