AMA Calls for Stronger Investment in Hospitals and GP-Led Primary Care
26 Jun 2026
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said the latest Ambulance Ramping Report Card shows that ambulance ramping remains a daily challenge, placing pressure on patients, paramedics and hospital staff.
The AMA is urging governments to expand hospital capacity, improve patient flow and invest in the healthcare workforce to reduce delays in emergency care.
During a healthcare roundtable with Health Minister Mark Butler and other health leaders, discussions focused on improving access to care across the public health system, including reducing barriers to specialist services.
The AMA also took part in a briefing for the Parliamentary inquiry into access and affordability of medical specialists, highlighting the impact of workforce shortages and limited public outpatient services on patient waiting times.
The organisation continues to advocate for more public specialist clinics, stronger workforce planning and greater transparency around private healthcare costs.
The AMA also attended the final meeting of the Primary Care and Workforce Review Taskforce, which is developing advice for the Australian Government on future primary care and workforce reforms.
The association said it supports reforms that strengthen GP-led multidisciplinary care, improve continuity of care and ensure funding reflects the growing complexity of general practice.
The AMA also called for future healthcare reforms to reduce administrative burden while ensuring general practice remains accessible, appropriately funded and centred on high-quality patient care.
The organisation confirmed it will release its submission next week to the Pharmacy Board of Australia's consultation on prescribing endorsements for pharmacists.
AMA Calls for Stronger Investment in Hospitals and GP-Led Primary Care
Source: AMA