Supporting volunteers and ADF Reservists responding to emergencies

With fires raging across the country and the recent announcement of the deployment of 3000 ADF reservists to assist with the bushfire recovery, it is timely to consider an employer’s obligation vis-à-vis employees who may be enrolled as ADF reservists or volunteers carrying out an emergency management response.

In Western Australia the two relevant pieces of legislation are the Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA) (“the EM Act”) and the Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001(CTH) (“the DRSP Act”).

Although the main objective of the EM Act is to provide for the emergency management arrangements for the State’s emergency services, it also has as one of its objectives the protection for volunteers. Specifically the EM Act provides that where a volunteer (i.e. as a member of an emergency management agency) carries out an emergency management response which requires them to be absent form their paid employment, the employer is obliged to continue to pay the employee their normal pay and entitlements during such absence.

To continue reading, please visit the AMA (WA) website. 

 

APRA announces changes to Income Protection Insurance - effective from 31 March 2020

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a series of measures, including capital charges requiring life insurers and friendly societies to address flaws in product design and pricing that are contributing to unsustainable practices in the sale of individual disability income insurance (DII), often referred to as income protection insurance.

As a result, APRA has advised that they expect to see the following changes made by income protection insurance providers;

• Ensuring benefits do not exceed the policyholder’s income at the time of claim (i.e., indemnity contract)
• Ceasing the sale of agreed value policies
• Avoiding offering income protection policies with fixed terms and conditions of more than five years

What happens to existing policies?

Existing retail income protection policies which include a ‘Guarantee of Renewability’ in their policy wording will continue.

How can we help?

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your options, please contact AMA Financial Services on 1800 262 346 or email advice@amafp.com.au.

For further information, please visit the AMA Financial Service website.

AMA Financial Services limited time offer

Join the AMA (WA) and make an appointment to see an AMA Financial Services Financial Adviser before 31st March 2020 and you will be eligible for an obligation free discussion about your financial health with no initial advice fees (valued up to $ 2,800 for a couple). All existing AMA (WA) members are also eligible.

AMA Financial Services specialises in Superannuation, Retirement Planning, Cashflow Management, Investment and Personal Insurance including Life, Total and Permanent Disability, Trauma and Income Protection Insurance.

For further information, please contact AMA Financial Services on 1800 262 346 or email advice@amafp.com.au.

Reward your practice manager with a qualification tailored by the AMA (WA)

To keep the New Year celebrations going, AMA Training Services is delighted to offer new students a 50% discount off the initial enrolment fee for the sought after HLT57715 Diploma of Practice Management. This represents a saving of $250. When coupled with our $500 discount for AMA members or their nominated staff, commencing this learning journey toward a high-performance practice has never been more opportune. Term 1 studies commence on Monday 3rd February.

For further information or to enrol online, please visit the AMA Training Services website. 

New Year discount for AMA (WA)'s popular Medical Reception Course

AMA (WA) member nominated staff already enjoy a $100 discount for AMA Training Services five day medical reception course. During January and February, any bookings will attract a further discount of $200, bringing the total cost of this nationally accredited course down to $495. Staff will receive training in our new state-of-the-art training centre, covering subjects such as medical accounts, medical terminology, Pracsoft, customer service and medical records. Our next course commences on Tuesday 4th February, with online training options also available.

For further information or to enrol online, please visit the AMA Training Services website. 

AMA (WA) 2020 membership renewal winners

Congratulations to the following members for winning the AMA (WA) membership renewal competition:

First Prize: Dr Robert Abrugiato – iPad Pro 12.9-inch 64GB
Second Prize: Dr Andrew McQuillan – $500 AMA (WA) Insurance Brokers & Financial Services voucher
Third Prize: Dr Aileen Donaghy – Family Pass to the Perth Zoo and Wild Bites Café Voucher

Have you renewed your membership? If not, renew online now or call the membership team on (08) 9273 3055.

Did you know...

 ... AMA Recruit has been providing highly specialised and targeted recruitment services across all industry sectors in Western Australia for more than 30 years? Both clients and candidates have consistently praised AMA Recruit’s professionalism in successfully delivering a range of tailored services for our members via our highly experienced team of consultants.

Practice Administration Staff

AMA Recruit works closely with industry professionals to find recruitment solutions to support their practices. Offering both temporary and permanent placements, AMA Recruit sources a range of temporary clerical staff with relevant medical software knowledge, administration capabilities and communication skills to assist with leave cover, busy periods or unforeseen circumstances.

To continue reading, please visit the AMA (WA) website. 

Member Exclusive: Do you love photography?

It’s not too late! If you haven’t already sent in your submission for the AMA (WA)’s photography competition, get snapping.

AMA (WA) members are invited to enter their best single ‘ANIMAL’ image – you could win a $300 voucher to spend at Camera Electronic.

What’s more, all entries will go into a draw at the end of the competition to win a prize valued at in excess of $700.
 

Please submit your entries as jpg files no more than 20MB to Des Michael by 20 January 2019. Files larger than this will be rejected.

Pictured is cardiologist Dr Stephen Gordon’s winning entry for the April 2019 ‘Landscape’ contest. Dr Gordon’s stunning capture of Rottnest Island won him the $300 Camera Electronic voucher.

All judges are independent of the AMA (WA) and chosen by Camera Electronic

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