Council communiqué - February 2024

Dear Members
The AMA Queensland Council met on 29 February 2024. I would like to thank all Councillors for volunteering their time to represent the membership and support the advocacy work of AMA Queensland.

I would also like specifically thank those Councillors whose terms are finishing and I would like to wish members who plan to nominate for a position in the upcoming elections all the best.

Disaster management in Queensland
The Committee of General Practice identified that there is no integrated disaster management plan. With the noted increase in disasters including floods, bushfires and infections, members have noted delays in messaging.

AMA Queensland Council recommends that there is a primary and secondary representation from AMA Queensland taken to Head of Disaster Management in Queensland Health for care preparedness.

Inequity for access to telehealth for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD)
AMA Queensland CEO Dr Brett Dale presented on the opportunity for joint advocacy with national charity Go Gentle Australia. The organisation works to promote choice at the end of life, including the option of voluntary assisted dying (VAD).

It has been identified the inequity of access to telehealth for voluntary assisted dying patients and practitioners. 

AMA Queensland Council supports AMA Queensland participating in joint advocacy with Go Gentle Australia calling for reform on the inequity of access to telehealth for voluntary assisted dying patients and practitioners.

Queensland sustainability summit
AMA Queensland Sustainability Working Group Chair Dr Elise Witter presented that climate change is increasingly recognised as a global health emergency and one of the greatest emerging threats to human health. 

1. Hospital and healthcare systems are also increasingly recognised as a source of carbon emissions and waste production, with significant utilisation of single use items, production of biohazardous waste and high use of non-renewable energy sources. 
2. Several HHSs are currently implementing sustainability initiatives, however there is scope for increased collaboration and co-operation to enhance these on a larger scape through the convening of a Sustainability Summit.

AMA Queensland to call on Queensland Health to convene a Sustainability Summit including key stakeholders from each Health and Hospital Services (HHS) and other external stakeholders such as Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), nursing and allied health staff in order to facilitate information sharing and strategic planning for implementation of sustainability initiatives across the Queensland Health Network.

Health equity for fathers

Assoc Prof Alka Kothari identified that fathers are primarily forgotten in obstetric health care services as the traditional focus is typically on the mother and baby. However, fathers play a critical role during preconception, pregnancy and postpartum periods and are essential stakeholders in obstetric healthcare. To become genuinely family-centred, there is a need to understand the perspective of fathers as active participants within the health system.

AMA Queensland to write a letter Queensland Health to raise awareness for health inequities for fathers and obstetric services and to consider associated impacts on their families.

President’s report
President Dr Maria Boulton thanked Councillors, the CEO and Secretariat for the work that they do.  Dr Boulton highlighted in her report.

• challenges that doctors experience in regard to in regard to resources and the government health messaging pre and post disasters
• workforce sustainability remains a major focus
• Ward Call Survey and Consultant Specialist survey are important mechanisms to facilitate change
• the continued robust relationship exists between both sides of government
• payroll tax – continuing to advocate for all private practice owners and non-GP Specialists

Chief Executive Officer’s report
CEO Dr Brett Dale highlighted areas that AMA Queensland has supported, promoted and advocated for, on behalf of the medical profession in Queensland.

Dr Dale reports that advocacy continues to be very successful with several issues leading to change/implementation across the state, most notably with the general practice payroll tax decision from the Queensland Revenue Office and the introduction of new vaping laws. AMA Queensland continues to campaign against the dangerous NQ Pharmacy Pilot.

Other areas of advocacy include:

• maternity services
• medical workforce
• HHS accountability
• COVID infection control measures in hospitals
• public health policy

AMA Queensland is continuing to support the call for AMA reform and encouraging AMA Federal and AMA WA to continue discussions about having all states in the federation.

For more information, please head to our website to access:

• AMA Queensland news
• Advocacy and policy: submissions, correspondence, feedback and position statements

Q4 Scorecard is a quick guide to the AMA Queensland’s activities, achievements and advocacy efforts on behalf of Queensland members.  

• AMA Queensland Scorecard Q4 2023 

Councillor reports 
Thank you to the following Councillors who provided reports. 

• Dr Kimberley Bondeson, Greater Brisbane Area Representative
• Dr Lisa Fraser, Far North Representative
• A/Prof Kees Nydam, North Coast Area Representative
• Dr Fiona Raciti, General Practice Representative
• A/Prof Geoff Hawson, Senior Doctors Representative

AMA Queensland Council is your representative body. Please feel free to contact me or any of your representative Councillors on any issues that you would like raised at Council. 

Contact us

Dr Nicholas Yim
Chair, AMA Queensland Council