A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, goes a Chinese proverb.

In the case of the new industrial agreement for WA public hospital doctors, it’s difficult to pinpoint where that single step began.

The AMA (WA) has gained key conditions for all of WA’s public hospital doctors after achieving an Industrial Agreement with the State Government, ending several years of negotiations.

New conditions include the preservation of entitlements for doctors in training (DiTs) as they progress through their development in the public hospital system; a written commitment for permanent employment and job security for Senior Doctors; and, a return to percentage wage increases next year.

On 15 June 2022, the Fair Work Commission handed down its Annual Wage Review, awarding an increase of 4.6 per cent (with a minimum $40 a week increase) to the minimum salary rates contained in all Modern Awards (for Federal System Employers).

Following this, the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission handed down the State Wage Case Decision on 23 June 2022, increasing all state award rates by 4.65 per cent (with a minimum $40.90 a week increase) (for WA State System Employers).

The new minimum rates will be effective as of the first full pay period commencing (1st PPC) on or after 1 July 2022.

Click below for a copy of our private practice bulletins containing the updated award wage rates.

Scholarships for our popular HLT57715 Diploma of Practice Management are now available for the 2022/23 study period. AMA members, and their nominated staff, receive additional discounts.

Western Australian researchers are being offered the chance to secure a $60,000 grant for a diabetes-related research project, with Diabetes Research Australia releasing details of its annual grants program for 2023.

The charity is offering one $60,000 research grant to Western Australian-based medical researchers, but more than one grant may be offered, should circumstances justify.

The winner will be announced around World Diabetes Day on 14 November. Submissions close 15 August 2022.

Selecting the best super fund and investment options can depend on your personal circumstances. If you’d prefer a super solution tailored to you, and a partner you can count on to keep it that way, talk to the AMA Financial Services Team about adviser-led super. 

Call the AMA Financial Services Team on 1800 262 346 or email advice@amafp.com.au.

Tickets are now on sale for MEDBALL22 – the premier formal health social event of the year held at Crown Perth on Saturday 23 July.

Bring your dancing shoes, and enjoy fine dining and entertainment at the health industry’s night of nights with friends and colleagues. AMA (WA) Award winners announced on the night.

MEDCON22 delegates receive reduced pricing for MEDBALL tickets, plus special accommodation rates at Crown Hotels and Aloft Perth for MEDCON22 or MEDBALL attendees.

Dr Hambleton is a General Practitioner in Brisbane, and a former Queensland State President and Federal President of the Australian Medical Association.

Steve has worked in the same general practice for 33 years and previously co-managed three large general practices.

He is Chief Clinical Adviser to the Australian Digital Health Agency, an associate investigator with the Australian Cancer Research Foundation Lung Cancer Screening Centre of Excellence, and participates in various Boards, Committees and Working Groups.

He is passionate about improving the health of all Australians, and the need to empower all citizens to more deeply engage in their own and their loved ones’ health care, to shift the dial from a sickness-focused system to a wellness-focused system.

Don’t miss Dr Hambleton speak at MEDCON22.

Landmark Western Australian legislation ensured women seeking an abortion could have safe and private access to health services without fear of harassment or intimidation. The Public Health Amendment (Safe Access Zones) Act 2021 provides for a 24/7 safe access zone, which includes the protected premises and any area within 150m of the boundary.

AMA (WA) President Dr Mark Duncan-Smith welcomed the law, which further supports the rights of all Western Australians to access safe healthcare.