AMA Queensland is the peak medical body representing the state's doctors. We are doctor-led and patient-centred.
Ours is the only organisation that supports doctors from all craft groups and at all stages of their career – from medical student to senior active doctor.
This diversity of membership means that we are uniquely positioned to:
- identify and address gaps and duplication across the entire health system
- advocate for solutions that support all doctors and patients that ultimately leads to better health outcomes for all Queenslanders.
Add your voice to the AMA Queensland community of doctors who connect, collaborate and drive meaningful change, creating better health.
Snapshot of 2023 Achievements
Here is a snapshot of our achievements we’ve secured for AMA Queensland members during 2023.
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Payroll tax Revised Public Ruling to clarify that payments made directly to GP by patient are not subject to payroll tax |
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Workforce $70,000 Queensland Health financial incentive to interstate and international doctors to move to regional Queensland extended to junior doctors, GPs and VMOs Trial of Single Employer Model for GP registrars Ministerial agreement that any changes in scope of practice must be evidence-based and not result in autonomous models, and future government policies to clearly differentiate between full scope and extended scope, which requires further training |
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Hospitals Clarification received on Robina Hospital emergency department expansion $200 million to move long-stay hospital patients into aged or disability care in the community New Hospital Performance website with publicly-available updates on bed numbers, waiting times and elective surgery lists |
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Drug law reform Drug diversion program for minor possession of cannabis expanded to all illicit drugs |
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Telehealth Received assurance from federal Health Minister that no broad punitive actions on written consent for telehealth consultations will be taken until the law is amended New Medical Board of Australian guidelines released to clarify prescribing rules for patients with no existing relationship with telehealth doctor |
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Tobacco/vaping New legislation to crack down on illicit cigarette sales, expanded non-smoking areas, vapes banned in non-smoking areas Liquid nicotine to be made prescription-only and personal importation scheme to end Vaping ad bans and improved regulation introduced to federal parliament Education program for school aged children |
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COVID Enhanced GP access to COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments for at-risk patients, with molnupiravir (sold as Lagevrio) and nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (sold as Paxlovid) through the Prescriber Bag GPs allowed to prescribe invermectin off label after AMA submission to TGA |
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Maternity crisis Partial reopening of Gladstone maternity unit Removal of locuming restrictions on obstetricians employed by Queensland Health Funding for 20 GPs to train as GP obstetricians, later increased to 50 GPs to train as GP obstetricians and GP anaesthetists Digital passport to enable healthcare workers to work across different HHSs |
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60-day dispensing Two-month scripts for stable patients with certain chronic conditions |
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Genetic testing for newborns Newborn Bloodspot Screening program expanded to include Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency following years of AMA Queensland advocacy |
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Vaccinations Influenza vaccine made free to all Queenslanders from start of 2024 season, with clarity for GPs on how to order and be reimbursed Meningococcal B strain vaccine to be made free in 2024 for children and older adolescents |
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State budget Overall increase in health funding above inflation rate Funding for AMA Queensland Ramping Roundtable recommendation to extend hospital transit and discharge lounge opening hours to free up ward beds for ED patients |
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Federal budget $3.5 billion to triple bulk billing incentives $50 million for a wounds consumables scheme in general practice Longer GP consult items Workforce Incentive Payment increase Expanded telehealth access for MyMedicare-enrolled patients and practices Funding for out-of-hospital care by GPs Support for GPs visiting aged care facilities New index methodology for MBS items |
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Private health policy Federal Department of Health reports recommend changes to the Medicare Levy Surcharge and Premium Rebate in response to AMA calls for reform |
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Medicines and Medicare The AMA federally intervened to ensure the 24/7 telehealth support for MS 2-Step from MSI to Healthdirect included appropriate training and support for Healthdirect nurses MBS rebates for seven items for excisions of clinically suspected melanoma increased to align with fees for existing benign skin excision items |
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AMA Queensland Foundation Three scholarships awarded to medical students in need More than $150,000 raised |
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Aged care Plans to privatise Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) scrapped following AMA advocacy Dementia action plan no longer recommends additional training for GPs or MBS items to be accessible only to GPs with a sub-specialisation in dementia |
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Industrial relations MOCA 6 successfully negotiated and backdated 10 QIRC appearances More than 17,000 member engagements, more than 500 stakeholder meetings |
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Events and hospital visits More than 50 face-to-face events, more than 2,200 attendees 9 online events, 534 attendees |
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Workplace relations 214 new employment contacts 815 member engagements |
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Bang for your membership buck Added 1,500 extra exclusive deals and discounts to the list of membership benefits. Arranged online and face-to-face events with opportunities to gain free advice from corporate partners. Gave members access to industry and government updates as they happened – and often before. Provided free, timely resources to help members navigate the ever-changing healthcare sector. |
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Powerful media voice> 1,153 media mentions. > 67.2M accumulated audience. Ensured our members’ voices were heard nationally, locally and in the workplace. Influenced governments and led the conversation:
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Strong member engagement>9,000 touchpoints providing help and information for our members. Established more opportunities to represent your colleagues and profession:
Resolved industrial matters for individual members - ASMOFQ:
Hosted more than 2,753 attendees at more than 30 memorable events for all members:
Celebrated the achievements of our members:
9 online events, 534 attendees |
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Focus on mental health and wellbeingNew laws to safeguard the mental health and wellbeing of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers by making Hospitals and Health Services (HHSs) and their boards responsible for staff wellbeing and for promoting cultures that support health, safety and wellbeing passed Queensland parliament in April. Hosted Treating Doctors with Mental Health Challenges webinar |
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Fought for your safetyConducted the eighth Resident Hospital Health Check, evaluating employment conditions and wellbeing among doctors in training across Queensland. |
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Workplace relations expertiseHelped members with workplace relations information and guidance more than 1,000 times. Took our business-enhancing Private Practice Series to members across regional Queensland. Ran free webinars supporting practice owners with financial, legal and best-practice advice. Hosted webinars on emerging threats to the sector:
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Industrial relations winsNegotiated and backdated Medical Officers' Certified Agreement 6 (MOCA 6) and Mater SMO throughout the year to protect your pay and conditions Took your concerns to Queensland Industrial Relations Commission 10 Queensland Industrial Relations Commission appearances More than 17,000 member engagements More than 500 stakeholder meetings |
Become a member
As your peak professional body we represent all Queensland doctors, no matter your craft group or career stage. We’re profession-led and patient-centred. Our activities are driven by our more than 9,500 members. Together, we’re creating better health for all Queenslanders.
Contact the AMA Queensland Membership Team:
- Call (07) 3872 2222
- Email membership@amaq.com.au
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