Doctors Say NO: AMA Members Reject Government Offer

AMA Tasmania President Dr Michael Lumsden-Steel said members had sent a clear message that the offer fails to address the deep structural issues facing Tasmania’s health system.

“Doctors have said NO to an offer that papers over the cracks for another 12 months, while hospitals continue to crumble under the pressure of an unsustainable workforce,

“This isn’t about money. It’s about a system that works – one that respects doctors, supports safe care for patients, and makes Tasmania a place where doctors want to work.”

The 3 per cent pay offer, with no improvements to conditions for another year, has been rejected by AMA members across all hospital sites and specialties. Doctors have made it clear that real change is urgently needed to rebuild and retain the medical workforce.

The AMA has called for action on long-standing issues, including safe rostering, adequate supervision and training, timely resolution of disputes, and incentives for doctors at the troubled Launceston General Hospital.

“Doctors are doing everything they can to hold the system together. But our hospitals can’t run on the moral guilt of doctors,

“We need real commitments and action – not empty promises. Each year we wait, Tasmania loses another wave of doctors.”

AMA Tasmania has requested an urgent return to the negotiating table and remains ready to work collaboratively with the Government to secure an outcome that ensures a sustainable workforce and protects patient care.

“Our members have given us a clear mandate to keep fighting for a fair, modern agreement that restores stability and respect to the health system,

“We remain hopeful that the Government will return to good faith discussions so our members can deliver the level of care that our community deserves.” >>>ENDS