War on Red Tape
- Text Decrease
- Text Increase
- Print Page
War on Red Tape
.jpg)
Countless hours are spent by GP’s filling in forms. Hundreds of patients miss out on care every day because GPs and their staff are working through red tape. We all know that some red tape is necessary. However, there are dozens of government agencies — Commonwealth, state and local — who are always happy to pile on that little bit extra.
Just one small form’ we are told. ‘It won’t take up much time’ we are told. Well, there is a final straw. When dozens of agencies are all adding to the regulation, the red tape, the bureaucracy - the load on GPs becomes too much.
AMA Victoria has been campaigning to reduce red tape over many years. In 2009 we launched the War on Red Tape and received an overwhelming response from our members. It was clear that their GPs were tired of contending with ever increasing amounts of paperwork. Our members helped us to identify over 100 Victorian Government forms that doctors are required to fill in.
In response to AMA Victoria’s lobbying the Victorian Government agreed to review a number of forms including the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program and the Medical Certificate Cause of Death form.
The Baillieu Government made an election commitment to decrease red tape by 25% by 2014. Earlier this year, AMA Victoria wrote to Louise Asher, the Minister for Small Business calling on the Government to honour this commitment. We are currently working with the Victorian Government to investigate ways to further reduce red tape for GPs.
If there are particular forms that are wasting your time or you want to tell us about your experience with red tape please contribute to the War on Red Tape Blog.
AMA Federal has also launched a national survey to target red tape in general practice. GPs can complete the survey on the AMA website. The results of the survey will help the AMA tell governments how to reduce red tape in general practice.
Dr Harry Hemley
President, AMA Victoria
Preferred Providers
Next
Prev