The AMA (WA) has and will continue to fight for the rights of our State’s doctors. Over the last 18 months, we have tried to negotiate with WA Health over the enterprise bargaining agreement for WA doctors. Unfortunately, WA Health has not been willing to give serious consideration to improving the working conditions of doctors. We are now heading to the WA Industrial Relations Commission to get help with negotiations. We can’t wait.

Last week the Government announced the division of health into two portfolios. Deputy Premier Roger Cook was reinstated as Minister for Health and Hon Stephen Dawson is now Minister for Mental Health. The AMA (WA) congratulates both Mr Cook and Mr Dawson on their appointments in two challenging, far-reaching portfolios.

Don’t miss out on MEDCON21 – the inaugural, first-of-its-kind, inter-college medical conference, here in Perth 18–20 June 2021. This world-class medical conference brings together colleges from around the state so you can gain new knowledge and skills within your specialty and beyond. This is the perfect forum for professional development, networking and interaction with peers. And it’s all happening at your doorstep at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Look out for an email in your inbox next week and early bird discounts for members.

If you’ve forgotten to renew your AMA (WA) membership, now is the time! Renew by 31 March to avoid losing access to benefits, services and industrial relations support. Your continued membership helps us to achieve better outcomes for doctors.

To renew, visit our website and click on the ‘Account login’ button on the top right or call our membership team on (08) 9273 3000.

Calling all doctors in training – the AMA (WA) Hospital Health Check starts next week! Keep an eye out for it in your inbox. Fill in the survey to tell us how your hospital rates in terms of teaching and training, rosters and overtime, morale and more. Only you can tell us. You can also be in the running to win an iPad or one of four $50 Coles-Myer vouchers.

Do you know a doctor who does outstanding work and has made a significant contribution to the medical profession? If so, make sure their work is recognised. Nominate them for the AMA (WA) Junior Doctor of Year Award (Dr Camille Michener Legacy Award) or the Hippocrates Award. The winner of the Junior Doctor of the year will receive $3,000 for their professional development. Celebrate alongside them when the awards are presented at the MEDCON21 gala dinner on Saturday 19 June 2021. Nominations close on 7 May 2021. Contact Naomi.Harding@amwa.com.au with any questions.

If you are a Fellow of the RACGP without AHPRA speciality recognition, you must apply for it by 16 April 2021 or you will lose access to A1 rebates. Apply to update your registration status or check your current registration status with AHPRA to see if you fall into this group.

If you have already registered as a specialist with AHPRA (both fellows and non fellows), then you don’t need to worry or do anything.

We are seeking nominations from GP trainees for the AMA (WA) GP Trainee Advisory Committee (G-TAC). This committee provides advice on advocacy, policy, and training matters relating to GP registrars. If you think you’ve got what it takes, contact us on dit@amawa.com.au for more information.

The Australian Government is ramping up its campaign against misinformation on COVID-19 vaccines with the launch of a new page on the health website. Send your patients to the 'Is it True' webpage for reassurance about the vaccine.

Don’t miss out on the benefits of professional financial advice just because you think your needs are too basic. According to an ASIC report from August 2019, financial advisers:
• have expertise that you don’t have
• recommend products you might not find on your own
• read the fine print for you
• construct a financial plan for your future.

AMA Financial Services can help you navigate the financial advice process. Call us on 1800 262 346 or email us at advice@amafp.com.au