NT joining federal AMA in landmark move
The Northern Territory (NT) AMA is taking the final steps to becoming a branch of the federal Australian Medical Association — a move that will provide the NT branch with greater resourcing, improved efficiencies and strengthened local advocacy.
Our Tasmanian colleagues have demonstrated the improvements this model brings, with CEO Lara Giddings marking the one-year anniversary earlier this year with an article on the how successful the change has been.
Since becoming a branch of the federal AMA, Tasmania has delivered budget savings and expanded their team while retaining their independence. When they need to elevate a local issue to the national stage, they now have the federal secretariat behind them.
Our NT colleagues will gain similar opportunities, with the full resources of the federal AMA behind them — including policy and advocacy experts who shape national reforms and advocate daily with decision makers at the federal level.
Meanwhile, the ACT is also moving towards a vote on becoming a branch of the federal AMA, with an extraordinary general meeting to be held next week.
These changes do not diminish the AMA's commitment to working closely with branches that choose to remain independent, with a recently signed evergreen partnership agreement with AMA Victoria cementing this collaborative approach.
Whether states become branches or maintain independence, what matters is that we’re all fighting the same fight, ensuring every Australian doctor has the strongest possible representation.
This is about collective strength, long-term sustainability, and real ambition for what we can achieve together.