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AMA President’s busy week in Parliament House

AMA President Dr Tony Bartone had a busy, but successful week in Canberra last week discussing key advocacy issues for the AMA, including GP funding.

Dr Bartone met with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Health Minister Greg Hunt, Finance Minister Matthias Cormann, Immigration Minister David Coleman, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, Shadow Health Minister Catherine King, Independent MP Professor Kerryn Phelps, and advisers to Greens Leader Richard di Natale.

Dr Bartone used these meetings to advocate for the priorities listed in the AMA’s pre-Budget Submission, including the Extended Level B MBS item, retention of the Aged Care Access Incentive, and broader support for GP funding that acknowledges the role of GPs as the stewards of the health system.

Dr Bartone also attended a Rural Doctors’ Association of Australia lunch, chaired an AMA Roundtable on out-of-pocket expenses, and spoke at a meeting of the Expert Advisory Group on Primary Care at the federal Department of Health.

Dr Bartone will keep pressure on all sides of politics in the six weeks until the Federal Budget, and up to the election due by May. The AMA will continue to advocate for improved health funding and a commitment to the reforms required to keep Australia’s health system strong.

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