We are delighted to launch the AMA Queensland Scorecard that outlines our key achievements and results delivered in the first quarter of 2021. It provides a visual overview of our extensive work to advance and improve the medical profession in Queensland and support doctors in the delivery of exemplary health care for the community.

In the past month we have continued to advocate for doctors in Queensland across a number of key issues including COVID-19 vaccinations, safety in hospitals and bed shortages and more. Read our report outlining key activities delivered in April.

The Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation Queensland (ASMOFQ) and Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland have continued to fight for the safety of frontline health workers by supporting a Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union (QNMU) dispute before the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC).

The current QNMU case continues advocacy started by ASMOFQ last year that secured a commitment from Queensland Health to deliver a consistent program of fit-testing for personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline staff.

AMA Queensland has welcomed the Australian Government’s initial commitment of medical equipment and supplies to help India, as it faces an unimaginable COVID crisis.

AMA Queensland President Professor Chris Perry said the devastating loss of life and shocking number of new infections in India demanded a large and long-term response.

“Our worst nightmare is unfolding in India, where the health system is being overwhelmed,” Professor Perry said.

AMA Queensland’s member-only, real-time online platform, Queensland Doctors’ Community (QDC) provides daily news, updates and discussion and has been invaluable during the entire COVID pandemic.

With so much information about the COVID pandemic, QDC is the one place to find what’s relevant to Queensland doctors, with regular updates posted from Queensland Health, the Australian Department of Health, the State Health Emergency Coordination Centre (SHECC) and more.

Queensland doctors say public hospitals are at crisis point, with clogged emergency departments, too few beds and an exodus of burnt-out staff.

AMA Queensland member and Australian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) spokesperson Dr Kim Hansen said it was the worst emergency doctors had seen.

“There’s been a surge in patients this year – most hospitals are seeing record numbers and they just don’t have the staff or beds to cope,” Dr Hansen said.

“The system was already at full capacity and now it’s swamped.”

On 23 December 2020, Disability Services Australia entered into an enforceable undertaking with the Fair Work Ombudsman (‘the Ombudsman’), and is currently back-paying employees more than $1.6 million. 

Disability Services Australia is a non-for-profit organization, providing services to disabled clients across NSW. They also operate a packaging factory at Mascot in Sydney.

2a brought forward

National Cabinet has agreed to bring the timetable forward for 2a. The 50-69 age bracket (approximately 6 million people) will not be able to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine earlier than expected

Our Workplace Relations Team has received a number of inquiries from private practices asking for assistance and advice on changes to casual employment. We've summarised the key information, in chronological order, to help you implement these changes in your practice. The information and advice provided is for general guidance only.  It is not intended to be, nor should it be, relied upon as a substitute for legal or other professional advice.

Our Workplace Relations Team has received a number of inquiries from private practices asking for assistance and advice on changes to casual employment. We've summarised the key information, in chronological order, to help you implement these changes in your practice. The information and advice provided is for general guidance only.  It is not intended to be, nor should it be, relied upon as a substitute for legal or other professional advice.