AMA President welcomes interns and outlines key advocacy priorities for 2026
16 Jan 2026
Dr McMullen acknowledged the mix of excitement and nerves that comes with starting internship, reminding new doctors that support is available and that growth and learning are central to the year ahead. Drawing on a personal story from a skiing trip in South Korea, she highlighted the value of persistence, guidance, and patience when facing new challenges – lessons equally relevant to starting in medicine.
For all members, she flagged a busy year ahead, noting that chronic disease, workforce pressures, and system sustainability remain pressing issues. “Every challenge presents an opportunity to advocate, innovate, and lead,” she said.
The AMA’s priorities for 2026 include:
- Hospital funding and capacity: Advocating for improvements to reduce hospital waitlists and ensure lifesaving care is delivered in public hospitals.
- General practice reforms: Supporting a modernised Medicare and better resources for GPs providing complex and preventive care.
- Doctors in training: Promoting flexible careers and access to education, training, and wellbeing support.
- Professional independence: Protecting clinical autonomy and ensuring doctors’ voices are heard in decision-making.
- Public health campaigns: Continuing advocacy on vaccination, chronic disease prevention, and support for colleagues.
- Member engagement: Strengthening community connections and ensuring members’ perspectives guide advocacy work.
Dr McMullen also noted a win for GPs, with MBS item 11714 for twelve-lead ECG tracing becoming claimable from 1 March 2026 when accompanied by a clinical note.
Remaining challenges include a new National Health Reform Agreement. The AMA is calling for at least $34.7 billion investment over the next five years to address hospital funding gaps. In private healthcare, tensions between insurers and private hospitals over a national efficient price highlight the need for independent oversight. The AMA’s Private Health Insurance Report Card also points to growing consumer concerns and pressure on doctors’ fees, which the association remains committed to defending.
Dr McMullen encouraged members to stay engaged and share their experiences. “Our power comes from working together and approaching challenges with honesty and positivity. Together, we can make a real difference,” she said.
https://www.ama.com.au/
Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA)
