Here’s an update on a few of the issues AMA Victoria is working on for members, including:

• Urgent action needed: parental leave entitlements for public hospital doctors on fixed-term contracts
• Clarifying funding disparities for regional health services.

Urgent action needed: parental leave entitlements for public hospital doctors on fixed-term contracts

AMAV is calling for immediate intervention from the Victorian Government to rectify an unfair change in interpretation of parental leave entitlements for medical practitioners on fixed-term contracts in public hospitals. Until recently, medical practitioners on fixed-term contracts were able to receive their full 14-week parental leave entitlement, even if their contract expired during the leave period. This entitlement was treated the same as annual leave and was paid out upon the conclusion of the contract. However, under new advice provided by VHIA to health services, doctors are now being denied full parental leave payments simply because their contract end date does not align with the birth of their child. This abrupt change has placed significant financial strain on many affected doctors, particularly women at crucial points in both their professional and personal lives.

Unlike nurses, who typically hold permanent contracts and do not face these barriers, doctors in training (DiTs) and other medical practitioners on fixed-term contracts are being unfairly disadvantaged. This inequity is particularly concerning for DiTs, who are often employed on short-term contracts due to their training requirements. As a result, these doctors- already in precarious employment- are left without the security of parental leave entitlements, a protection that should apply to all workers regardless of contract type.

We have made numerous attempts to resolve this matter through discussions with VHIA and the Department of Health, but without success. We urge the Victorian Government to intervene immediately, restore the previous practice, and ensure that public hospital doctors on fixed-term contracts receive their full 14 weeks of paid parental leave, regardless of contract end dates. This is not only a matter of fairness and equity but also crucial to upholding the Government’s commitment to gender equality in the workplace.

Members who are affected or potentially impacted by this issue are encouraged to reach out to AMA Victoria’s workplace team for advice and support on (03) 9280 8722 or via [email protected].

Clarifying funding disparities for regional health services

We are seeking clarification from the Victorian Government and Department of Health regarding potential funding disparities affecting regional health services. Reports suggest that these services may be receiving 7% less in National Weighted Activity Units (NWAU) compared to metropolitan and rural health services. We are working to confirm whether this is the case and to understand the reasoning behind such disparities, if applicable.

Furthermore, we are awaiting responses from the Department on several finance-related questions we submitted earlier this year. These questions focus on financial governance, billing practices, and compliance with the National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA). Concerns have been raised by members about MBS billing delays and potential NHRA compliance issues, which could have significant financial implications for health services across the state.

We will keep members informed as we receive updates on both the regional funding situation and the outstanding financial governance questions.