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

• TAC update: proposed changes to the collection of health information and the medical examination model.
• Ahpra update: New CEO appointment and AMA Victoria’s ongoing advocacy.
   

TAC update

Proposed changes to the collection of health information

The TAC is proposing a change to how it collects health information under its Protocols. Currently, TAC staff request a GP report first, followed by clinical notes only if further information is required. The proposed change would reverse this order, making clinical notes the primary source of information, with a GP report requested only if specific additional details are needed. The TAC’s stated aim is to reduce administrative demands on medical practitioners and improve the timeliness of decision-making to support client recovery.

While AMA Victoria acknowledges the intent, we have raised concerns regarding informed consent, administrative workload, and appropriate remuneration. Patients must provide explicit, informed consent about what information is shared, as a broad request for “clinical notes” could unintentionally include unrelated medical history, raising significant privacy and confidentiality concerns. Requests must also be tailored to the injury or condition relevant to the claim to avoid unnecessary disclosures.

Shifting the focus to clinical notes also risks increasing administrative burdens on medical practices. Reviewing, vetting, and redacting notes is a time-intensive task requiring a doctor’s oversight, and this additional workload must be properly recognised and remunerated. Treating GPs must also retain control over what information is provided to ensure only relevant records are shared. If further clarification is needed beyond clinical notes, this should be handled by an independent medical examiner (IME), not TAC administrators.

AMA Victoria will continue engaging with the TAC to ensure any policy changes balance efficiency with the practical realities faced by medical practitioners. We will keep members updated as this matter progresses.
 

Changes to the TAC’s medical examination model

The TAC is introducing a new Medical Examination model, set to take effect from 1 July 2025. Under this model, Independent Medical Examiners (IMEs) will no longer deal directly with the TAC but will instead be required to engage through an intermediary agency. The TAC asserts this change will improve access to examinations, strengthen provider partnerships, and enhance client outcomes. However, AMA Victoria remains sceptical of these claims and is concerned about the impact on IMEs and their patients. Until 30 June 2025, the current Medical Examiner Panel arrangement remains unchanged.

AMA Victoria has sought clarity on whether this model was developed in consultation with IMEs and other stakeholders, and whether there is any opportunity for meaningful input into its implementation. We have specifically asked the TAC to justify the rationale behind this shift and outline what, if any, tangible benefits it will deliver.

AMA Victoria’s WorkSafe/TAC Committee is currently reviewing the model to assess its full implications. So far, there are significant concerns about its impact on IME providers and the quality of medical assessments. There is unease about an intermediary taking a financial cut from IMEs without clear evidence that this will lead to any improvements in service or patient care. There is also uncertainty about the effect on IMEs’ existing office staff and how this new structure will operate in practice. More fundamentally, there are growing concerns that this model undermines the role of Independent Medical Examiners by requiring them to operate through a third-party entity rather than engaging directly with the TAC.

AMA Victoria will continue its review and analysis of the proposed model. Once this process is complete, we will provide further updates and engage with the TAC as required.
 

Ahpra update: new CEO appointment and AMA Victoria’s ongoing advocacy

AMA Victoria welcomes the appointment of Justin Untersteiner as Ahpra’s new CEO, commencing in April. With a background in large-scale organisational transformation, IT overhauls, and operational efficiency- along with a strong record in gender equality advocacy- his leadership has the potential to bring positive change. What this means for Ahpra in practice remains to be seen, but AMA Victoria, via President Dr Jill Tomlinson, looks forward to engaging with senior Ahpra representatives at the upcoming AMA/Ahpra meeting later this month.

This appointment follows Ahpra’s December announcement of measures to introduce greater equity into registration fees for practitioners on extended leave due to parental or carer responsibilities, disability, or other legally protected attributes. This includes a 30% retrospective rebate, a commitment to reviewing practising and non-practising registration, and a broader consideration of pro-rata fees. These steps represent progress, reflecting sustained advocacy by AMA Victoria and our members, but there is still more work to do. The rebate, while a welcome interim measure, does not provide a long-term solution. AMA Victoria continues to push for a fairer system that ensures pro-rata fees are implemented, non-practising registration is made fit for purpose, and fee structures genuinely reflect the needs of the profession.

While these developments are positive, we recognise ongoing member frustration with Ahpra’s regulatory approach, fee structure, and broader responsiveness to the profession’s concerns. AMA Victoria will continue advocating for practical, meaningful reforms and will hold Ahpra to account to ensure commitments translate into real change.