AMA President Update: Hate Speech and Gun Reforms, CDC Launch, and Honouring Dame Marie Bashir
23 Jan 2026
This week was relatively quiet for the health department, giving me time to focus on clinic work, exercise, proper meals, and catching up on sleep — habits I hope to maintain throughout the year.
Parliament resumed early to debate stronger laws after the tragic Bondi attack, which targeted Jewish Australians celebrating together. The AMA welcomes the passage of these Bills and the establishment of a Royal Commission into antisemitism. In the wake of such events, it’s important to reflect, seek solutions, and come together to build a safer and more inclusive Australia.
Doctors play a key role in fostering safety, inclusiveness, and compassion, both in patient care and within the wider community.
On public health leadership, Australia’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) officially launched on 1 January. The AMA has long called for an Australian CDC to improve preparedness for pandemics and other health challenges. Professor Zoe Wainer has been appointed as the inaugural Director General, bringing decades of public health experience and leadership.
Another priority for the AMA this year is the Thriving Kids program, designed to support children with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism. While the parliamentary inquiry report recommended an MBS item for child development checks, it did not fully recognise general practice as central to supporting families. The AMA will continue advocating for GPs, paediatricians, and psychiatrists to be recognised as essential to this program.
It is also with great respect that we acknowledge the passing of Professor the Honourable Dame Marie Bashir at age 95. Dame Marie was a member of the AMA for over six decades, a pioneering psychiatrist, and a passionate advocate for mental health, education, and social inclusion. As the first female Governor of New South Wales, she served for 14 years, combining strong leadership with warmth and approachability.
Dame Marie’s life reminds us that doctors can lead with both strength and compassion. The real privilege of medicine lies in the daily impact we have on patients’ lives, beyond titles or public roles — a responsibility I hope to champion throughout my term.
To all doctors supporting patients over the long weekend, thank you for your dedication.
https://www.ama.com.au/news
Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA)
