President’s update: Putting the Budget to the test and progress on e-bike safety
In this week’s President’s update, Associate Professor Peter Subramaniam outlines AMA SA’s key tests for the State Budget, reflects on growing momentum behind e-bike advocacy, and welcomes new faces to Council.
AMA SA’s Budget Test
As you read this, I’m preparing to head into the 2026 State Budget lock-up to hear directly from Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis how much funding will be directed into health – and where it will go.
Ahead of the Budget, AMA SA has been clear with the Government about what we expect. In our regular meeting on Monday, I reiterated to Health Minister Blair Boyer that we will be assessing the announcements against three simple tests:
- Is it genuinely new?
- Is it staffed?
- Does it treat the cause?
Through the media – and in direct discussions with government – we’ve made it clear that funding alone doesn’t automatically lead to better patient outcomes.
Last week, the South Australian Government announced more than $10 billion in health spending, a record investment reflecting record demand. Yet that money isn’t translating into better patient outcomes. That’s why patients remain stuck on ambulance ramps and more than 25,000 people are waiting for planned essential surgery.
Before the March election, you told us what is needed to address the root causes of pressure on our health system. That feedback shaped our pre-election recommendations, which were shared with both the Government and the Opposition.
At the centre of those recommendations was the need for stronger investment in community care. This includes targeted support for general practice – such as incentives for GPs to remain open after hours and provide care in residential aged care. We also called for increased investment in community mental health services – an area where there is a clear gap.
These are practical, evidence-based solutions, and we continue to advocate for them. In the Budget papers, and beyond, we will be looking for smart investment – backed by real staffing commitments – that addresses the drivers of system pressure.
I look forward to hearing what you make of the Budget after its release today.
Coroner’s ramping recommendations
You may have seen the news that the State Government has decided to adopt the majority of a coroner’s recommendations aimed at addressing the systemic causes of ramping. AMA SA welcomes this step, but through the media we’re also calling for broader, evidence-based reform. The coronial findings confirm what AMA SA has long said: ramping is not an ambulance problem – it’s a whole-of-system problem. Again, we must treat the root causes, not just the queue.
ICAC review into PD funding
You may have seen recent reporting on the ICAC review of professional development funding in SA Health, which highlighted variability in how allowances have been used.
It’s important to recognise that the vast majority of doctors use these funds appropriately to support their professional development.
The report points to a need for greater clarity around eligible use, and AMA SA will be advocating for practical, consistent guidance so funding can be applied as intended and with confidence.
E-bike advocacy
Since my last update, AMA SA’s calls for stronger e-bike regulation have attracted significant media attention. Our recommendations, backed by AMA SA Council, include a number of measures to improve safety for riders and pedestrians:
- A minimum riding age of 16
- Mandatory product safety checks at the point of sale to ensure e-bikes comply with existing power and speed limits
- The introduction of roadside speed testing
- Expanded police powers to seize non-compliant e-bikes
- Stronger enforcement of helmet laws
- A reduced 10 km/h speed limit on walkways and shared paths
AMA SA recognises that e-bikes can encourage physical activity, support outdoor lifestyles and offer environmental benefits. However, the evidence shows these benefits do not outweigh the risks, especially for younger children.
This advocacy is already gaining traction. Following extensive media coverage, Transport Minister Joe Szakacs met with us yesterday. It was a constructive conversation, and he and Transport Department officials confirmed that a current review into personal mobility devices will consider e-bike safety and the recommendations we’ve raised. We have also been contacted by the RAA and look forward to working together on this important public health issue.
I’ll keep you updated as this important work progresses.
Fresh faces on Council
AMA SA members formally endorsed the appointment of four new members to Council at our AGM last week. I’d like to warmly welcome Professors Paul Reynolds and Gerry O’Callahan, and Drs Davinder Gill and Sebastian Ricci.
Their involvement – alongside our existing Councillors from a wide range of specialities – helps ensure that AMA SA’s policy and advocacy work reflects the perspectives of the broader medical profession. We thank them for stepping forward, and you can read more about their backgrounds and why they’ve chosen to get involved below.
I’d also like to acknowledge two long-serving doctors whose time on Council has come to an end: Associate Professor William Tam and Dr Hannah Szewczyk.
Will has been a valued presence on Council for nearly 15 years, consistently championing the importance of clinical voices in health decision-making. Hannah joined Council in 2018 as the Doctor in Training (DiT) representative and later continued as an ordinary member. She has been a strong advocate for junior doctors, including as the face and voice of our Hospital Health Check and in pushing for improvements to the workforce pipeline.
A welcome invitation from the AIMA
I was honoured to be invited to a continuing professional development event hosted by the Australian Islamic Medical Association (AIMA), featuring a talk by Dr Fatima Ashrafi. What struck me most was the room itself – an impressive turnout of medical students alongside doctors from a wide range of specialties and career stages, all giving their time to support the evening.
It was heartening to see that breadth of the profession come together, with students at the very start of their journey learning beside experienced clinicians – a reminder of the energy that builds when we make space for education and connection across our community.
The AIMA is a national, not-for-profit organisation that unites and supports Muslim healthcare professionals and students through education, mentorship and community service.
Pull up your socks
Finally, tomorrow is Crazysocks4docs Day. Pull on your brightest, craziest socks – and use them to start a conversation. Doctors with mental health needs, both on the frontline of our hospitals and in our community, deserve more than awareness – they deserve support.
Our patients are well cared for when we look after each other, and ourselves.
If you’d like to discuss how you can play a more active role in our organisation, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact me directly at president@amasa.org.au