Doctors applaud independent inquiry into Trade Practices Act

The AMA and the RDAA today enthusiastically welcomed the Government's decision to set up an independent inquiry into the effects of the Trade Practices Act (TPA) on the provision of medical services in regional Australia and the negative impact the TPA is having on the recruitment and retention of rural doctors.

The two organisations first called for the inquiry in February this year.

AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, congratulated the Government on its brave decision against strong opposition from some vested interests determined to promote competition regardless of the social cost.

"We call on the ACCC to fully cooperate with the inquiry," Dr Phelps said.

"The inquiry will come as a great relief to country doctors and country communities.

"Doctors are overworked and in short supply in rural and regional Australia, and they are under unnecessary pressure due to the TPA and medical indemnity issues. This pressure is eroding their viability to continue practising in country towns.

"For the local communities, the loss of family doctors would be the last straw on top of the disappearance of many services that other Australians take for granted," Dr Phelps said.

President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), Dr David Mildenhall, said the announcement of the inquiry was a victory for common sense.

"This inquiry can be a godsend for rural doctors," Dr Mildenhall said.

"We must achieve confirmation that genuine tried and true practices in rural medicine in regard to work rosters, work sharing and negotiations with local hospitals can continue without fear of breaching the Act.

"Doctors must be able to work together for the health of rural communities.

"The Government has put more resources into improving the training of young doctors for rural practice. Now, by refining the TPA, the rural practice environment will be more attractive, and these communities will get the health care they deserve," Dr Mildenhall said.

The AMA and the RDAA will cooperate fully with the Government in the implementation and conduct of the inquiry.

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CONTACT: AMA - John Flannery, 02 6270 5477, 0419 494 761

RDAA - Dr David Mildenhall, 0418 929 201