AMA President’s Update: Public Health, Private Health, and the Power of Human Connection
20 Feb 2026
Dr McMullen began by acknowledging Lunar New Year celebrations and reflected on the fast pace expected in the Year of the Fire Horse, emphasising the need to balance action with careful, considered progress.
Public Health
The AMA’s Public Health Committee met for the first time this year, joined by senior representatives from the new Australian Centre for Disease Control. Discussions focused on the challenges of providing accurate health information in a society facing widespread misinformation and declining trust in institutions.
Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA)
Dr McMullen highlighted the importance of delivering clear, timely information to both the public and healthcare professionals to avoid repeating past difficulties, such as rapidly changing pandemic guidelines.
Private Health Insurance
The government recently approved an average private health insurance premium increase of 4.41%, the highest since 2017. Dr McMullen expressed concern for families under cost-of-living pressures and called for insurers to ensure every cent goes back into patient care.
She noted that while insurer profits have grown by nearly 50% over the past six years, benefits for in-hospital medical treatment have only risen by 18%. The AMA is advocating for a mandate requiring insurers to return at least 90% of premiums to consumers in the form of benefits. The establishment of a Private Health System Authority was also recommended to oversee long-term reform.
Regulation and Provider Wellbeing
Dr McMullen met with the Australian Health Regulators Network to discuss the provider experience under investigation. She emphasised the importance of supporting clinician wellbeing while allowing regulators to fulfil both educational and enforcement roles with compassion.
The Therapeutic Touch
Highlighting an article in AusDoc, Dr McMullen stressed the value of human connection in care. While AI can support diagnosis and treatment planning, it cannot replicate the reassurance of a clinician’s touch or presence during moments of patient vulnerability.
Indemnity Insurance
Discussions continued with the Insurance Council of Australia’s medical indemnity CEO group on the affordability of indemnity insurance, particularly as specialist fees come under increased scrutiny.
Celebrating New Graduates
Dr McMullen concluded with a personal highlight: speaking at a Deakin University graduation ceremony for non-medical health graduates. She encouraged healthcare professionals to engage with new graduates, noting the energy and optimism they bring to the health sector.
Dr McMullen’s final message: take care, maintain human connection in healthcare, and continue advocating for both patients and practitioners.
