Rural Doctor Rosters - Call In The Independent Umpire
President of the AMA, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today that the ACCC should agree to an independent inquiry into the effect of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (TPA) on rural GPs.
Dr Phelps was responding to claims today from ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels, that the AMA 'has misled its members' about the impact of the TPA on the provision of medical services in country areas.
"The AMA's legal advice and earlier advice from the ACCC clearly supports the Association's concerns," Dr Phelps said.
"Rosters can have a range of purposes.
"Are we going to see Professor Fels riding around the countryside determining which ones are, in his view, 'genuine'?
"Nevertheless, I welcome this new transparency from Professor Fels.
"It is now up to Professor Fels and the ACCC to take the further step of agreeing to an independent inquiry into TPA's impact on rural GPs.
"The situation must be reviewed by an impartial umpire.
"The longer this situation goes on unchecked, the harder it is for doctors to get on with the business of providing important medical services in the country, particulary after hours and on weekends.
"The AMA and the doctors have the support of the Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson, and other politicians on this one.
"The ACCC has clearly not been listening to the chorus of protest from all over Australia on this issue. Public opinion is with the doctors, too.
"It's time to put an end to the debate. The ACCC must agree to an independent inquiry."
Dr Phelps said she would be raising the matter with the Prime Minister when she meets him in Canberra tomorrow.