President's update: CAS meeting, primary care conference, rural health and more

Hello and happy Friday! 

It’s been a massive week for the AMA, kicking off with our colleges, associations and societies meeting on Monday.  

The meeting tackled ongoing issues facing the healthcare system including workforce, training and support for future doctors, preventive health & innovation, and a really fun, practical session on advocacy and how political decisions are made, as well as the role of the media in health.  

Our work was recognised by Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Rebecca White and Shadow Health and Aged Care Minister Anne Ruston, who both pointed to the importance of our reports like the recently released Public Hospital Report Card. You can read a full article about the meeting on our website.  

On Tuesday I attended the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) annual briefing at Parliament House, which brings together rural and regional doctors, politicians and stakeholders to discuss the key healthcare issues facing rural and remote communities.  

Association President Dr Sarah Chalmers spoke brilliantly about the joys and the challenges of working in remote Australia. A poignant reminder that rural, regional and remote communities all need bespoke solutions to ensure all Australians can access care, and that the doctors working there have the supports they need.  

This week we also highlighted an ongoing public health issue, with a media release on Tuesday highlighting that it has been 1000 days since the release of Peta Murphy’s report and recommendations on gambling advertising.  

The parliamentary inquiry led by Peta Murphy was unambiguous — online gambling companies deliberately exploit Australia’s love of sport to normalise gambling as harmless fun. We will continue to call on the federal government to act and implement the recommendations from the Murphy report.   

On Tuesday I also attended the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Primary Care Conference. The conference theme: Primary Care Teams: Integrating Collaboration, Policy and Technology, highlighted the power of combining robust policy, digital innovation and engagement, aiming for a connected and responsive primary care system. I attended some great sessions on reforms to the PHN model, digital health and rural health.  

Today I’ll be appearing at the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability’s public hearing into the health impacts of alcohol and other drugs in Australia. I’ll be asking the committee to focus on how certain groups are especially at-risk to harmful substance use. It will also be vital for the committee to consider the links between alcohol and other drug use, and the undeniable association with rising rates of domestic and family violence.  

On Monday next week I’ll be attending the AFR’s Healthcare Summit for a panel on lowering the cost of healthcare. I’ll be taking some leave after the summit, but I look forward to updating you on everything on my return.  

For those of you traveling over the Easter break, stay safe. And a huge thank you to those of you working through the holiday.  

Thank you all for your ongoing support, without which none of our continuing advocacy for you and your patients could occur.