Latest wins: President and CEO update - March 2025
March has largely been consumed by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred who threatened to be an incredibly destructive weather event that would hit the southeast, from K’gari to as far south as Grafton and Lismore. Despite the windy start, our advocacy efforts have remained strong.
Our fight for pill testing services as a public health measure to be reinstated continues as the detection of potentially deadly opioids continues to rise around the country. We’ve also been voicing our members' proposal to make the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS) temporarily available to patients needing radiology services sooner than the current wait times in the patient’s local area.
ADVOCACY EFFORTS
Pill testing
AMA Queensland, as part of the Pill Testing for Queensland Alliance, has been a strong advocate as a harm minimisation strategy.
With recent findings indicating the presence of extremely potent synthetic opioids in Australian wastewater for the first time, the need for harm reduction strategies – including permanent pill testing services – has never been greater.
Pill testing allows individuals to verify the contents of substances before consumption, reducing the risk of accidental overdoses from unknown and potentially lethal elements.
It also provides a life-saving opportunity for a health professional to talk to people about what’s in their drug usage and the risks involved.
Although the state government decided to go ahead with a pill testing site at last years’ Schoolies event – a contract that was established by the previous government – they have not shown support for the continuation of these services at future events like festivals and Schoolies.
The government has also confirmed they will not be renewing the contract for Queensland’s pill testing service, CheQpoint, which will unfortunately be concluding on 4 April 2025.
Economic pressures can drive individuals to seek cheaper, unregulated alternatives, of their prescribed medications, often unaware of the deadly risks involved, and without regulated testing, users remain vulnerable to these hidden dangers.
We continue to urge the Queensland Government to prioritise public health and reinstate pill testing services to combat the dangers posed by these emerging synthetic opioids.
Read our media release Read our media release with The Loop and QNADA
Cyclone Alfred
As South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales braced for Tropical Cyclone Alfred earlier this month, we urged communities to take essential precautions to protect their health and safety.
While high winds were delayed and then downgraded by time the cyclone made landfall, several cities were inundated with flood water with hundreds of doctors and medical staff staying on site overnight to keep providing care to patients and avoid driving in cyclonic winds.
Many practices were forced to close to keep staff home and safe and supermarkets emptied after COVID-style panic buying and over 450,000 homes lost power.
We endeavored to support members through yet another tough weather event by providing regular commentary on health and safety measures in the media. Our public health messaging focused on where and how to access healthcare, protecting your wellbeing and ensuring your safety during and after an emergency.
Our Queensland's Workplace Relations Team also created some frequently asked questions for practices preparing for Cyclone Alfred, and we continue to share available hardship grants, support and resources with our members.
Read our media release Read the Today Show transcript
Temporary PTSS increases for medical imaging
AMA Queensland has written to Queensland Health Director-General Dr David Rosengren with members' concerns regarding significant wait times their patients are experiencing and consequent high risk of delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes.
One of the solutions proposed by doctors is to make the PTSS temporarily available to patients needing radiology services sooner than the current wait times in the patient’s local area, and we believe this has merit in the short-term.
Dr Rosengren has since responded, advising that under the existing PTSS arrangements, eligible patients already receive support for travel and accommodation to access specialties including Diagnostic Radiology, Diagnostic Ultrasound and Radiology.
We continue to work with our members and Queensland Health to ensure all patients can access timely healthcare and reduce regional health inequities.
Recreational nitrous oxide use
After being advised of concerns from the community and doctors regarding the use of nitrous oxide for recreational purposes, particularly by young people, AMA Queensland has written to Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Heidi Carroll calling for regulation.
The drug produces short-lived effects like euphoria and sedation, but prolonged use can lead to serious health issues such as memory loss, psychosis, and nerve damage due to vitamin B12 depletion.
Increasing popularity and use among young people is reportedly fuelling a rise in unscrupulous business models by convenience and tobacco retailers, similar to those we have seen for vapes and other smoking products.
Traditionally used in healthcare and food industries, its easy retail access now poses a public health risk.
Without swift regulation, nitrous oxide could become another preventable health crisis similar to vaping. We urge Queensland Health to implement strong regulatory controls, as seen in other jurisdictions, to protect young people from harm.
Committee of Doctors in Training update
We are excited to soon welcome our 2025 CDT team as we continue advocating for doctors in training across Queensland.
We’re pleased to welcome Medical Education and Wellbeing Registrar Dr Emma Hodge as the 2025 Chair, and Drs Natasha Abeysekera and Nikhil Dwivedi who have been elected as Deputy Co-Chairs.
As the AMA Queensland CDT Wellbeing Special Interest Group Lead for the past two years, Dr Hodge’s passion lies in advocating for changes at a systematic level to enhance the training experience, career progression and wellbeing of doctors in training.
Looking ahead, the CDT is already gearing up for the Junior Doctor Conference in May, which will feature inspiring speakers, hands-on sessions, and an excursion to the stunning Fraser Coast.
Meanwhile, the MOCA 7 negotiations are underway, with the log of claims currently under development.
CAMPAIGNS
Scorecard Q4 2024
Our scorecard outlines our extensive work to support and advance the medical profession in Queensland and protect patient health.
In Q4 2024 we had 1,439 member engagements and reached an accumulated media audience of more than 21.1 million in the delivery of complex policy advocacy to achieve positive change.
We are proud to support Queensland doctors and creating better health outcomes for our community.
Board and Council nominations open
Ever considered a leadership role with AMA Queensland? Now is the time to get involved.
Nominations are now open for President, Vice President, Member Elected Directors and Councillors on AMA Queensland's Board and Council.
Represent members in your region, specialty or working type and be a part of our important advocacy work.
Nominations close on Wednesday 26 March at 12noon AEST.
FOUNDATION
Medical Student Scholarships
The AMA Queensland Foundation offers its annual Medical Student Scholarships to financially disadvantaged students studying an MBBS course or equivalent at a university in Queensland.
Applications are still open for 2025, and we encourage all students seeking support to continue studying and achieve their dream of becoming a doctor to apply.
Scholarships of $10,000 paid in two equal instalments will be awarded to up to three students this year.
Applications close Monday 31 March 2025.
GPTQ Bursaries
AMA Queensland Foundation has opened 2025 applications for our inaugural GPTQ Training and Research Bursary.
Bursaries of up to $20,000 will be awarded to up to four GP Fellows or GP Registrars who live and work in Queensland.
The bursary targets training or research initiatives which seek to promote better health outcomes in Queensland communities.
Applications close Thursday 1 May 2025.
UPCOMING EVENTS
AMA Queensland has a range of upcoming events this year for every doctor at every stage of their career.
After Cyclone Alfred’s visit, we’re finally hosting our 2025 Medical Careers Expo on Saturday 22 March. Guests have the opportunity to meet with a selection of colleges, hospitals and private operators regarding medical career pathways and have their questions answered.
Junior doctors! Join us on the Fraser Coast for this year’s Junior Doctor Conference and discover the professional and lifestyle opportunities awaiting you! Hear from inspiring doctors who have walked in your shoes, make friends and meet important contacts.
Join AMA Queensland and the Australian Senior Active Doctors Association (ASADA) for our engaging and inspiring one-day Senior Doctor Conference tailored to senior active and retired doctors this August.
We invite all members to the biggest black-tie gala for doctors this year - our Dinner for the Profession. Join us in your coolest attire at Brisbane's hottest new venue, The Star Brisbane, nestled at the heart of the multi-billion-dollar Queen’s Wharf precinct.
Are you thinking about travelling overseas this year? Join us for our Annual Conference 2025 in Vancouver, Canada to earn CPD points and learn key issues facing the profession while immersed in a unique tourism destination.
We can't wait to see you at one of our 2025 events!
NEW SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
Social media trends move fast, and we are expanding our reach to include Bluesky and TikTok, where members and stakeholders will be able to interact with us in new ways.
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Bluesky is a microblogging social media service. Users can share short posts containing text, images, and videos. We have been using the platform to share and comment on breaking medical news and engage with other medical bodies, doctors and the media, and we’d love for you to join the conversation! |
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TikTok is a social media platform for creating, sharing and discovering videos. We are using this space to cultivate an online community by sharing relatable medical content, AMA Queensland news and public health messaging in an engaging format. |
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