AMA(SA) lobbying against distressing and costly tax
AMA(SA) President Dr John Williams is urging the Premier and Treasurer to reverse the decision to implement new payroll tax interpretations in South Australia, to avoid risking practice closures and increased pressure on ramping and hospital EDs.
AMA(SA) President Dr John Williams, Vice President A/Prof Peter Subramaniam, CEO Nicole Sykes and members of AMA(SA) Council and Committee of General Practice have advised politicians and health sector leaders in face-to-face meetings and through the media of how the new payroll tax interpretations will affect patients, communities and the health system.
In recent weeks, Dr Williams, A/Prof Subramaniam and Ms Sykes have met Premier Peter Malinauskas and Health Minister Chris Picton about the tax.
Dr Williams said GPs are increasingly anxious and frustrated, especially as RevenueSA is sending what seem to be pro forma notices advising practices that registered for the amnesty that they will have to pay the tax when the amnesty expires on 30 June.
AMA(SA) Council member and GP Dr Vik Jasoria presented the AMA(SA) arguments in a media interview with ABC TV News on Tuesday, 19 March.
A media release distributed on Thursday, 21 March, and attached below, outlined why doctors are distressed and summarised the perspective of AMA(SA) legal partner Norman Waterhouse.