AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen provides members with the latest from the national AMA.
Hello, and happy Friday!
Throughout this week's adventures, I was struck once again by how doctors anchor our healthcare system through the depth of training we have - to diagnose, manage complexity, and keep patients safe.
This was reinforced when I attended the RACGP annual conference - GP25 - in Brisbane last weekend, which was a great opportunity to catch up with old and new friends, and honour the outstanding role GPs play in their communities.
While on the subject of annual conferences -- I want to remind you about AMA26 and let you know tickets are now on sale . We're getting in on the Black Friday capers with a deal too good to miss, so secure your place now .
This year's theme - Leading Change in a Connected World - focuses on innovation, leadership, and collaboration. I can't wait to see you all in Melbourne on 28‒29 August 2026.
As I write this (on Thursday), I'm on my way to speak at the memorial service for Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AO in Melbourne. It's such an honour to be invited to address this important occasion on behalf of the AMA and the medical profession. Professor Murtagh was a giant of medical education - he taught us to embrace complexity, empower our patients with knowledge, and care for them with compassion. As we celebrate his life, I encourage you to consider how you'll do your part to ensure his legacy lives on through all of us.
Earlier this week, I appeared before a parliamentary inquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative, which aims to establish a national system to support children aged eight years and under with mild-to-moderate developmental delay and autism. I took the opportunity to reiterate the critical importance of general practice care in childhood development, and the need for better coordination with paediatric and allied health support.
Families see us and know us. We have a strong track record of good custodianship of the health system. We are trusted, accessible and uniquely placed to spot development concerns early. Every child deserves a chance to thrive, and that starts with policymakers recognising the pivotal role GPs play in early intervention and ongoing care.
As part of our ongoing discussions with a range of organisations, the AMA met this week with Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand (MDANZ) to discuss efforts to address racism, including antisemitism, in medical schools and the healthcare sector more broadly. The AMA has zero tolerance for racism and is committed to working collaboratively to eliminate racism from our health system.
To mark World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, I was in the media warning politicians and the public about the expansion of prescribing rights to non-medical professions without appropriate safeguards. We must avoid dangerous experiments risking fragmentation of care and patient safety through antimicrobial resistance.
I joined Michael Wright from the RACGP in calling out the Pharmacy Board of Australia over its planned consultation period for its proposed endorsement for pharmacist prescribing, which appeared to coincide with the Christmas/New Year break. The Board responded promptly and advised it will now be conducted over several weeks, starting in mid-to-late January. When this consultation goes live, I will encourage all members to join the AMA in participating in this critical consultation.
I also used media appearances to highlight the critical situation in our public hospitals and the need to finalise the National Health Reform Agreement. While fighting over funding by different levels of government is hardly surprising, I have emphasised we must urgently find a path forward, because public hospital funding can't wait. You can get involved through our Clear the Hospital Logjam campaign to let your local member know you feel the same way.
To close out the week, I have the pleasure of joining the President's breakfast at AMA South Australia today to present life memberships in recognition of those members who have made such brilliant contributions to our profession over many years. Unfortunately, it's just a quick stop, because I'm off to Sydney to meet with ASMOF, our valued partner in supporting doctors with industrial relations representation.
I am looking forward to our Federal Council meeting this weekend and will update you next week. Wishing you all a happy and relaxing weekend.
