AMA President Highlights Key Health Issues in Weekly Update
12 Jun 2026
The Australian Medical Association President has released a weekly update covering several major health issues, including national honours, respiratory illness, aged care reform, and changes affecting bulk billing systems.
The update began by recognising doctors and AMA members included in the King’s Birthday Honours List, acknowledging their long-standing contribution to medicine and community health across Australia.
It also paid tribute to the late Professor Richard Scolyer, highlighting his major impact on melanoma research and his recognition as Australian of the Year in 2024 for work in immunotherapy.
This week also marked RSV Awareness Week, with renewed attention on respiratory syncytial virus and the importance of vaccination programs for pregnant women and older adults. The President encouraged public engagement with vaccination advice through general practitioners.
The update also referenced discussions at a recent ophthalmology meeting, where topics included artificial intelligence in healthcare, specialist fees, and broader challenges facing the health system.
On aged care, the President reinforced concerns raised during Aged Care Week, calling for stronger reforms to ensure residents in aged care facilities receive timely and consistent general practice care.
The update also addressed ongoing concerns about bulk billing assignment changes, noting that current processes remain difficult in practice, particularly in aged care settings. The AMA has raised concerns with government representatives and is seeking urgent improvements to support clinicians who bulk bill.
The President concluded by noting continued work on health policy issues such as preventive health measures, including food labelling, and broader system reforms aimed at improving long-term public health outcomes.
AMA President Highlights Key Health Issues in Weekly Update
Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA)