President’s Update - South Australia’s election battle lines drawn

Last Friday marked exactly 12 months until the 2026 South Australian election. This is an important phase in the political cycle as both major parties formulate their policies and hone their pitches.  

Not surprisingly, health is again shaping up as a key battleground. In Friday’s leaders debate hosted by the SA Press Club, Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia accused the Government of failing to fulfil its promise to fix hospital ramping. Premier Peter Malinauskas responded that ambulance response times have improved but acknowledged that he would ‘like to see better ramping results’. In February, South Australians spent 3,981 hours waiting on the ramp to be admitted to public hospital EDs.   

Because of the nature of the political discourse in this state, ramping is now viewed by many voters as the most significant measure of the health of the health system. But we doctors understand it’s far more complicated than that. Ramping is the symptom, not the disease.  

I’m proud to announce that AMA SA – on behalf of our members - is taking action to address the systemic failures underpinning problems like ramping and bed block. On 9 May we will host the AMA SA Access to Care Round Table which will examine ways to help patients navigate an increasingly complex health system and reduce preventable hospital admissions.  

The round table has the full support of Health Minister Chris Picton and will include representatives from SA Health, the South Australia Ambulance Service, the Australian Private Hospitals Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practice.   

AMA SA will be represented by me, our Vice President Associate Professor Peter Subramaniam, Council chair Dr Karen Koh, and the co-chairs of our Committee of General Practice Dr Bridget Sawyer and Dr Alex Main.   

AMA SA is uniquely positioned to lead this initiative. We work hard for our members to build and maintain relationships with a range of health stakeholders. Because of your support, we have the influence to bring together the people who can make a difference. All South Australians deserve the highest standard of care, and delivering this requires the collective effort of politicians, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. 

We also have a strong track record of leading change. Our 2020 Culture and Bullying Summit led to new legislation to address high rates of bullying and discrimination experienced by junior doctors, by making LHN boards responsible for the psychosocial health and wellbeing of the staff in their workplaces. It’s our expectation that the Access to Care Round Table will be just as impactful, with the best minds in health coming together. 

It's important to acknowledge that the South Australian Government has taken important steps to increase capacity in the system, but more can be done to shift the dial. By bringing together a range of different perspectives in an open and collaborative forum, we can develop actionable, measurable solutions. This is about finding solutions, not pointing fingers. 

 We thank the Health Minister, and all other round table participants, for their enthusiastic support for our round table and its objectives. With the South Australian election on the horizon, and the federal election imminent, now is the time for innovation, ideas and action. I look forward to updating you on our progress in the months ahead.  
 

Making connections  

Last night AMA SA hosted our very first speed networking night for doctors in training (DiTs). The event gave students and junior doctors a rare opportunity to meet and chat with experienced doctors in a relaxed environment. Our partners at Hood Sweeney also offered practical advice on budgeting, investments and financial strategies tailored to the needs of junior doctors. From all reports it was a resounding success!  

Being a doctor comes with many rewards, but regardless of age, career stage or speciality the work can take a toll on our professional and personal lives. I’ve always found that having a network of colleagues around you who can offer advice and support can make all the difference. For me that’s one of the biggest advantages of being an AMA member – access to a community of like-minded professionals. It’s my hope that the DiTs who attended the speed mentoring night made connections and gained insights and that will help them at this important stage of their medical careers. 

We have a full calendar of exclusive member events planned throughout the year. Keep an eye on our website for updates – we’d love to see you at one of our educational or networking sessions soon.  

See event updates
 

Australia’s next CMO 

I wanted to take this opportunity to acknowledge AMA SA member Professor Michael Kidd AO who has been appointed Australia’s next Chief Medical Officer (CMO). 

Prof Kidd is a globally respected medical leader, GP, researcher, and educator. He was Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Principal Medical Advisor in the Department of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic and World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) President from 2013-16.  

He will take over the role from current CMO Professor Tony Lawler on 1 June 2025. I welcome his appointment and wish him all the best in his vitally important role.  
 

Advance Care Planning Week 

Before I go, you may have noticed that last week was National Advance Care Planning Week. Advance Care Directives are a vital part of planning end of life decisions, and this was an opportunity to recognise the legislation that gives South Australians confidence their wishes can be recorded and heeded beyond the point when they can express themselves.  

I’d like to thank the clinicians who have contributed to the development of legislation that protects patients and doctors, and for their commitment to allowing individuals to die in comfort and with dignity, and in line with their values and wishes. 
 

Yours in good health, 
John