AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said tonight that the Government’s Budget announcements have set up a genuine health policy competition for the upcoming election.

“The Health Minister, Greg Hunt, has listened closely to the AMA and delivered a strong Health Budget, with a particular emphasis on primary care, led by general practice,” Dr Bartone said.

With Bill Shorten’s Budget reply speech last night, the Opposition has ensured that health policy will be at the heart of the next election, as it should be.

AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, said today that Labor’s pledge of $2.8 billion in new funding for more public hospital beds and shorter surgery wait times responds directly to the series of AMA Public Hospital Report Cards and our comments on public hospital funding on Budget night.

Transcript:   AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, ABC Radio Great Southern, with Christine Layton, Wednesday 9 May 2018

Subject:  Budget savings measures and the doctor workforce changes

CHRISTINE LAYTON:   We're joined by Dr Michael Gannon, President of the Australian Medical Association. He is live from Canberra. Good morning, Dr Gannon.

MICHAEL GANNON:   Good morning where you are.

AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, said today that the Productivity Commission Report on Government Services 2018 provides further confirmation that general practice is the most efficient and cost effective part of the Australian health system.

Dr Gannon said the quality and productivity of Australia’s GPs is up with the best in the world.

“The Productivity Commission Report is compelling evidence that the Government must provide greater investment and support for general practice,” Dr Gannon said.

The AMA has released its pre-Budget submission, which sets out a range of practical, achievable, and affordable policies and recommendations for meaningful health reform.

The Federal Budget does not contain everything the AMA had hoped for, but it does show a Minister who has recognised past faults and is willing to engage with the health sector, AMA President Dr Michael Gannon says.

Ahead of the 2017 Budget, the AMA calls for an end to the Medicare freeze and greater investment in health.