AMA pushes for action on workforce, Medicare and healthcare costs
11 Sep 2026
AMA President and Vice President Associate Professor Julian Rait met with Health Minister Mark Butler in Canberra for their regular discussion about current healthcare issues. The meeting included the ongoing debate over specialist fees.
The minister said he wanted to work with the AMA to address cases involving genuinely excessive fees, while also recognising the wider factors affecting healthcare costs.
The AMA has stressed that excessive fees and the broader issue of healthcare affordability should not be treated as the same problem.
It argues that rising patient costs are also linked to Medicare and insurance rebates failing to keep pace with the real cost of providing care, including inflation.
Tobacco control remains a priority
The AMA also continues to oppose changes that could weaken Australia's tobacco control measures.
This follows renewed discussion about tobacco excise and the ongoing problem of illicit tobacco.
The AMA said action should focus on organised crime and the illegal tobacco market rather than weakening public health measures that have helped reduce smoking rates.
Questions remain over prescribing changes
Prescribing scope of practice is another issue receiving attention.
Following a meeting of health ministers, governments agreed to develop a national framework intended to create greater consistency in prescribing arrangements.
The AMA supports greater consistency but remains concerned that another framework may not address the underlying issues.
The organisation said existing principles already support collaborative, team-based healthcare and that doctors should continue working alongside other health professionals to provide coordinated care.
GP Medicare review moves forward
The draft report from the MBS Review Advisory Committee on GP attendance items was also released this week.
The AMA said several recommendations reflect issues it has raised through its Modernise Medicare campaign.
These include giving greater value to longer consultations, ongoing care and comprehensive general practice.
The report is now open for consultation, with the AMA planning to continue working with members during the process.
IMGs remain important to workforce planning
The AMA is also continuing its work on skilled migration and Australia's medical workforce.
The AMA President is appearing before an inquiry into the value of skilled migration in Australia alongside Dr Maha Selvanathan, former Chair of the AMA's International Medical Graduate Committee.
The AMA highlighted the contribution of international medical graduates to communities experiencing doctor shortages, particularly in rural, regional and outer metropolitan areas.
It said workforce planning should support Australia's ability to attract and retain skilled doctors while maintaining high standards and supporting doctors who choose to establish their careers in Australia.
Doctors also have careers beyond clinical practice
The week also included the Creative Careers in Medicine conference.
The event brought together doctors using their medical skills in areas including leadership, policy, research, education, media, entrepreneurship and the arts.
The AMA President said the conference highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available to people with medical training.
AMA pushes for action on workforce, Medicare and healthcare costs
Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA), President's Update