ROCS Bill gets Indemnity Security Rolling

Dr Glasson commended Health Minister, Tony Abbott, for his efforts in consulting closely with the medical profession in framing the legislation and then getting it passed at the earliest opportunity.

"There was a lot riding on the ROCS legislation," Dr Glasson said.

"The medical indemnity crisis has not completely disappeared and many doctors have been waiting for signs that they can continue to practise with confidence and that they could look forward to a secure retirement.

"A lot of those concerns have now been eased.

"But there are still some crucial pieces of the medical indemnity puzzle missing, and they must be put in place if Australia is to have an affordable and workable medical indemnity system well into the future.

"The most important issue is the establishment of a long term care and rehabilitation scheme for the severely injured.  The AMA will make this a priority in talks with the Government.

"As shown by yesterday's Risk Management Forum in Canberra, doctors are committed to improving safety and quality in medical practice.

"A long term care and rehabilitation scheme is now crucial if patients are to get the appropriate level of care they need at the time they most need it.

"The State and Territory Governments still have a lot of work to do on tort law reform to achieve consistency and fairness across all jurisdictions.

"Once all these pieces are in place, we would hope to see downward pressure on medical indemnity premiums.

"Greater affordability of indemnity for doctors will translate to better access to quality affordable medical services for all Australians.

"Getting medical indemnity fixed for good must be a national priority," Dr Glasson said.

18 June 2004

CONTACT:
John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306