2026 ACT Branch elections

Information for Members

The 2026 ACT Branch elections will be the first elections held under the ACT Branch structure, following the transition of AMA ACT to a Branch of the Australian Medical Association.

These elections provide members with an opportunity to contribute to the leadership, policy development and advocacy work of the AMA in the ACT, and to help shape the future direction of medico-political representation for doctors and patients locally.

1. Positions to Be Elected

In 2026, elections will be held for the following positions:

  • ACT President (1 position)
  • ACT Councillors (8 positions)

All positions are held for an approximate term of two years, commencing at the conclusion of the Australian Medical Association Annual General Meeting in late May 2026.

2. Election Method

  • Election notices, nominations and any ballot (if required) will be conducted by electronic means
  • Voting, where required, will be conducted by secure electronic ballot
  • Voting will be by preferential system
  • Proxy voting is not permitted

The election will be conducted by the Secretary General of the AMA in accordance with the ACT Branch By-laws.

3. Nominations – How to Nominate

  • Members may nominate themselves only
  • Nominations must be submitted electronically, in the form prescribed
  • No seconder is required
  • Late or incomplete nominations cannot be accepted

4. Candidate statements

  • A short candidate statement of 300 words should be provided with nominations
  • Eligible candidates will be contacted after nominations close with instructions and timeframes
  • Candidate statements will be circulated to members with ballot materials

5. Information for Members Considering Nomination

A. ACT President

The ACT President is the senior elected leader of the AMA ACT Branch and the principal public representative of ACT doctors.

The role includes leadership, advocacy and representation and may be of particular interest to members who:

  • Have experience engaging with government, media or professional bodies;
  • Are interested in leading medico-political advocacy in the ACT; and
  • Have held leadership or representative roles in similar organisations in the past.

A detailed ACT President Position Description can be obtained by clicking here which should be read carefully by members considering nomination.

Members considering nomination for ACT President are actively encouraged to have an informal discussion with the current ACT President or the CEO to better understand the expectations, time commitment and support available.

B. ACT Councillors

ACT Councillors collectively form the ACT Council, the Branch’s principal policy development and advisory body.

This role is particularly well suited to members who:

  • Want to contribute to policy development and advocacy;
  • Are interested in governance and representation, including those new to elected roles; or
  • Wish to represent the views of their craft group, specialty or career stage.

The Branch strongly encourages nominations from:

  • Doctors in Training and early-career doctors;
  • Members working in general practice, hospital and private specialist settings; and
  • Members from under-represented groups within the profession.

Prior governance experience is not required. Induction, briefing and staff support are provided.

ACT Councillors including the President, are NOT DIRECTORS of the Australian Medical Association Limited.

6. Eligibility (All Positions)

To nominate for either position, you must:

  • Be a financial Branch Member
  • Not be an employee of the Association
  • Submit your nomination electronically by the closing date

7. Why Electronic Voting?

Electronic nominations and voting are used to:

  • Improve accessibility for members across different practice settings and locations;
  • Encourage participation and timely engagement;
  • Ensure confidentiality, integrity and accuracy of voting; and
  • Align with contemporary governance practice across AMA branches.

Electronic voting is permitted under the ACT Branch By-laws and will be administered securely.

8. Want to Know More?

Members who are unsure whether to nominate are encouraged to seek further information through an informal discussion with:

These discussions are intended to support informed decision-making and do not indicate support for any candidate.