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Here’s an update on a few of the issues AMA Victoria is working on for members, including:
- Parliament update (Youth Justice Bill 2024 and Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Bill 2024)
- Key healthcare issues and focus areas (health service budget directives, Health Services Plan, emergency care targets, and more).
Parliament update
With Parliament resuming this week, AMA Victoria would like to update members on our recent advocacy efforts and key legislative focuses, particularly concerning the Youth Justice Bill 2024 and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) Bill 2024, both of which are currently before parliament.
Youth Justice Bill 2024
AMAV has long supported raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14, in line with international recommendations. While we commend the Bill's proposal to increase the minimum age to 12, we note that it lacks a firm commitment to this higher age threshold.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has consistently advocated for a minimum age of 14 years or older. The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples has emphasised that detention should be a last resort, which is not currently the case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Australia has faced repeated criticism from the United Nations for not aligning with these recommendations.
The federal Australian Medical Association, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) additionally support raising the age to 14, and AMAV has contacted parliamentarians from across the political aisle and is prepared to provide medical evidence in support of this change.
MORE: AMA 2023 position statement on custodial health | Australian Medical Association
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Bill 2024
AMAV has significant concerns regarding the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Bill. Despite our ongoing efforts since 2022 to address structural and cultural issues within VIFM, the Bill does not adequately address these concerns, particularly in recognising the essential medical aspects of forensic services.
We have proposed the following changes:
- Organisational placement: Relocate VIFM to the Victorian Department of Health, rather than the Department of Justice and Community Safety, to better align with best practices and emphasise health considerations in forensic services.
- Board composition and expertise: Ensure that the VIFM Board include members with specific medical expertise, such as a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. This will ensure that VIFM's health-related functions are effectively overseen by professionals with the requisite qualifications.
Key healthcare issues and focus areas
AMAV is also addressing a range of critical issues currently impacting healthcare in Victoria, such as health service budgets, emergency care targets, vaccine access, and digital health systems.
Health service budget cuts: AMAV remains deeply concerned about recent budget directives impacting health services. These directives are causing significant disruptions, including recruitment freezes, reduced elective surgeries, and halted capital works. We are advocating for a reassessment of the current approach to ensure that it does not compromise patient safety and healthcare worker morale.
MORE: Communications and advocacy update: 18 July 2024
Health Services Plan: AMAV continues to push for transparency in the Government’s Health Services Plan, which aims to enhance care through better integration of public health services. The success of this plan, however, hinges on effectively engaging local communities and the healthcare workforce. The ultimate directions and implementation could have significant implications for Victoria's healthcare sector, and it is crucial that all stakeholders are involved in shaping these changes.
MORE: Communications and advocacy update: 6 June 2024
Ministerial Review: We are eagerly awaiting the release of the report of the Ministerial Review into public hospital medical staff work and employment arrangements, and furthering the outcomes of this report.
MORE: Ministerial Review: Victorian Public Health Medical Staff
Class actions: We are closely monitoring the outcome of the Peninsula Health penalties hearing, which follows the successful Federal Court decision on doctor-in-training overtime. We advocate for a fair resolution through negotiation and settlement, akin to the NSW Government's $230 million settlement.
MORE: Wednesday nights for wages and rights
Failure to meet targets for emergency care: We are concerned about the findings of the recent VAGO report on emergency healthcare that found that the targets for emergency care (with the exception of all Cat 1 patients being seen immediately) have not been met over the last decade. The findings highlight ongoing challenges with wait times and ambulance ramping. We urge the Department of Health to investigate and address these issues to improve patient safety and service efficiency.
MORE: Communications and advocacy update: 18 July 2024
CareSync Exchange (formerly Health Services Information Sharing): Recent IT outages highlight the need for robust, reliable digital health systems. AMAV support the introduction of interoperability measures to improve information sharing between health services and reduce reliance on outdated methods. The implementation of these measures is set to begin in the coming months, and we have been urging the Government to ensure the sector is properly supported throughout this transition.
MORE: Communications and Advocacy update: 25 July 2024
Advocacy for free universal access to vaccines: AMAV is calling for the Government to implement free universal access to influenza and RSV vaccines. With rising influenza cases and a potential RSV outbreak, expanding vaccine accessibility is crucial for protecting public health and reducing economic strain on families.
MORE: Communications and Advocacy update: 25 July 2024
Gender Equity Action Plans (GEAPs): As Equal Pay Day approaches, we are examining GEAPs in Victorian health services. We are particularly concerned about gender pay gaps and unpaid overtime, which disproportionately affect female and non-binary trainees. We remain committed to engaging with health services to address and rectify these disparities.
MORE: Communications and advocacy update: 18 July 2024
Ahpra registration fees: AMAV continues to advocate for fair registration fees for healthcare practitioners on parental leave. Ahpra’s current policy does not adequately reflect equity principles, and we are calling for change to better support practitioners during this important life stage. We have launched a petition on this issue: Ahpra should act fairly and equitably | AMA Victoria (megaphone.org.au)
Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCC) Review: We continue to look forward to the release of the PPCC review report, anticipated in mid-2024 as per the March 2024 PAEC recommendation. This report is expected to provide valuable insights into the operation and effectiveness of these centres.
AMAV is committed to working with political parties and stakeholders across the spectrum to advance health and wellbeing in Victoria. Members who wish to discuss policy issues or provide feedback on our priorities are encouraged to contact Senior Policy Adviser, Lewis Horton, at [email protected].