AMA Tasmania CEO Lara Giddings AO updates AMA members one year on from amalgamation as a Federal AMA Branch
As we mark the first anniversary of AMA Tasmania becoming a branch of the Federal AMA, it's a great time to reflect on what a successful year it has been!
When we decided to amalgamate in July 2024, our goals were clear: to secure the sustainability of AMA Tasmania, strengthen our capacity to deliver services, and ensure Tasmanian doctors have a strong and independent voice on local issues without members noticing any difference to the support they receive from the Tasmanian team. Twelve months on, it's evident that this move has paid off.
Thanks to the merger, AMA Tasmania is now in a stronger position than ever. In addition to the support from AMA Victoria's industrial officers, we now have a dedicated Industrial Relations Officer in our Hobart office, Georgia McRae, who has already made a significant impact by assisting members with their workplace issues. Our Communications and Events Officer, Nadine Cove, has collaborated with Canberra colleagues to deliver a hugely successful AMA National Conference in Adelaide, and is no longer on media call every weekend as the sole media contact for Tasmania. Our Membership Officer, Jacqui Quinn, is helping shape the AMA's national approach to the member journey as a digital transformation is progressed, and I have been welcomed into the senior leadership group, contributing to both national and state advocacy strategies.
From finance and HR to IT, policy, and legal support, we now have access to a team of specialists who back up the work of our small but dedicated Tasmanian office. Our staff are now being paid at market rates and have access to professional development opportunities, which means we can retain great people and give them the tools to grow. This is already showing up in stronger services for members.
The merger has delivered an 8 per cent saving to the AMA Tasmania budget, freeing up funds that would otherwise have been spent on insurance, board costs, auditing, and administration. This means more of our resources are going where they belong - into member services and advocacy. Our Hobart team is working closely with Canberra staff, ensuring local advocacy remains strong, but also ensuring Tasmanian doctors' perspectives are being fed into national policy and campaigns more effectively than ever before.
Importantly, from a member perspective nothing has been lost. Our President and State Council continue to lead Tasmanian advocacy, and local meetings, events, and engagement all occur as before. The difference is that our work is now backed by greater capacity, stronger infrastructure, and a bigger voice nationally.
In short, our first year as a branch has been a resounding success. We've gained strength and stability while maintaining our independence where it matters most - speaking up for Tasmanian doctors and their patients.
We thank all our members for their continued support and look forward to building on this strong foundation in the years ahead.
