AMA President Highlights Key Health Priorities in Weekly Update

AMA President Highlights Key Health Priorities in Weekly Update

11 Jun 2026

The update opened with acknowledgement of the King’s Birthday Honours List, which recognised doctors and AMA members for their long-standing contributions to medicine and community health across Australia.

It also paid tribute to the late Professor Richard Scolyer, highlighting his global impact in melanoma research and immunotherapy. His leadership alongside Professor Georgina Long saw them named Australian of the Year in 2024.

This week also marked RSV Awareness Week, with the AMA emphasising the importance of vaccination to reduce serious illness, particularly in infants and older adults. The President noted that funded RSV vaccination programs are now available for pregnant women and Australians aged over 75, and encouraged people to seek trusted advice from their GP.

Aged care reform was another key focus, following the AMA’s release of a position statement calling for improved access to regular GP care in residential aged care facilities, along with stronger funding and system-wide reforms to improve coordinated care.

Digital health changes were also discussed, including concerns about assignment of benefit processes for bulk billing. The AMA has raised these issues with government representatives, warning that current arrangements may create barriers to bulk-billed care, particularly in aged care settings.

The update further referenced broader policy discussions, including mandatory health star labelling and the need for stronger preventative health measures such as action on sugar-sweetened beverages to reduce preventable disease.

The President also reflected on attending the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists’ annual skills update, where discussions included artificial intelligence in healthcare, professionalism, and ongoing concerns around specialist fees.

The AMA says it will continue advocating for reforms aimed at improving patient care, supporting clinicians, and strengthening Australia’s healthcare system.

AMA President Highlights Key Health Priorities in Weekly Update

Source: Australian Medical Association (AMA)

 
 
 
 
 

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