AMA to Boost Transparency in Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections
22 Jan 2026
The changes follow feedback from more than 800 doctors who completed a survey on the election process last year.
Federal AMA Board Chair, Associate Professor Andrew C Miller, said the survey highlighted two key points: members want a process that is easy to understand and transparent, and they want to feel more involved and informed.
Survey responses showed strong support for reviewing the process, prioritising transparency and member engagement, and implementing safeguards to ensure candidates have the right experience. Opinions varied on whether the voting model itself should change.
To improve visibility and clarity ahead of the next election cycle, the AMA will introduce:
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A public Election Hub detailing timelines, eligibility, nomination procedures, and who the electors are.
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Standardised candidate information packs including bios and priority statements.
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Member forums where candidates can present their views and members can submit questions.
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Plain-English guides explaining the voting process, the roles of the Board versus elected officers, and how member feedback informs the process.
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A post-election report summarising participation, results, and lessons learned.
These transparency measures will be implemented for the 2026 elections. The AMA will review their effectiveness after the cycle and consult members further on any potential structural changes.
Source: Australian Medical Association
