AMA Victoria’s ongoing engagement and cross sector integration with the Department of Health has contributed to progress across a number of key reform areas we’ve been actively advocating on. Below is a summary of updates from our recent bimonthly meeting, covering:
- Mandatory training duplication: GROSS advocacy gains traction
- Health Services Plan: networks established and early work underway
- Mental health reform – phase 2
- Sentinel Event Framework: reform options in development
- Medical Workforce Taskforce: expressions of interest now open
Mandatory training duplication: GROSS advocacy gains traction
The Department has confirmed it is working with health service executives to explore a consistent statewide approach to recognising prior learning in mandatory training. This work is being done in the context of our GROSS (Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff) initiative.
Launched earlier this year by our immediate past president, Dr Jill Tomlinson, GROSS has focused on identifying and eliminating low-value administrative burden in the Victorian health system. Duplicative training requirements have been a central concern raised by members, particularly for those required to repeat near-identical modules when working across multiple health services.
The Department and AMA Victoria are aligned on the need to address inefficiencies across the system including recognition of prior learning. If adopted, a consistent recognition approach would save time, reduce frustration, and improve compliance processes across the system. The Department expects to provide further information within 6-8 weeks. We will continue to engage with health services and the Department as this progresses.
Health Services Plan: Networks established and early work underway
As of 1 July, the Local Health Service Networks are now in place to support collaboration between health services. The networks will work on both statewide and local priorities. The initial focus of the networks is on 4 areas: improving access to care, reducing variation in safety and quality, supporting the health workforce, and delivering clinical and non-clinical support services efficiently. Over time, the Networks will also work on integration, research and innovation, and population health.
Each Network has received a policy framework and tailored Statement of Expectations outlining its purpose, roles, accountability, and performance measures. These also include statewide initiatives and locally chosen priorities.
Networks are also expected to work more closely across Primary, Community and Aged Care sectors, improve access to research and clinical trials, and support public health efforts in partnership with local providers.
AMA Victoria continues to advocate for meaningful medical workforce input into this process, particularly as Networks move from establishment to implementation. This includes making sure there are clear expectations for local consultations, where doctors are encouraged to talk to their health service about how changes will affect their work and patient care.
Mental Health Reform – Phase 2
The Department outlined recent investments in mental health reform from the 2025–26 State Budget, including $534.4 million for mental health and wellbeing programs, $55.2 million for alcohol and other drug services, and $10 million for capital renewal. These investments form part of ongoing efforts to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
The Parkville Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service commenced operations on 1 July as Victoria’s first dedicated youth mental health service. 7 new Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals will also be delivered later this year, bringing the total network to 22 services across 24 locations.
The Department also confirmed that further work is underway to strengthen the clinical framework that underpins these Locals. This includes improving linkages with area mental health services, an issue AMA Victoria has raised consistently. We continue to advocate for coordinated models of care, strong referral pathways, and appropriate clinical oversight.
Sentinel Event Framework: Reform Options in Development
Safer Care Victoria is developing options for reform of Victoria’s sentinel event reporting processes. This includes Category 11 and the family contact function under the Statutory Duty of Candour.
Reform options are being informed by input from health services and other stakeholders, with a focus on reducing duplication, improving clarity, and strengthening support for affected families.
AMA Victoria has played a leading role in bringing attention to current limitations in the framework. We have highlighted the lack of alignment with national definitions, and the risk that serious events, particularly healthcare-associated paediatric deaths, are not reported consistently. Our advocacy has stressed the need for clearer guidance and a more compassionate approach to family engagement. We welcome the Department’s progress in this area and will continue to monitor developments closely.
Medical Workforce Taskforce: Expressions of Interest Now Open
Following sustained advocacy from AMA Victoria and others in response to the Ministerial Review on public sector medical staff workplace systems and employment arrangements, the Department has established a Medical Workforce Taskforce to provide strategic leadership and expert guidance on these challenges.
The Taskforce will focus on developing sustainable multidisciplinary models of care, promoting safe working hour practices, and supporting professional development, education, and clinical leadership.
Key priorities include improving out-of-hours hospital coverage, better balancing clinical duties with training needs, and enhancing rostering practices to support workforce wellbeing.
A targeted Expressions of Interest (EOI) period is currently live with the Department seeking participation from a broad range of professionals across the sector to join the Taskforce Working Group. The EOI will close at close of business on 15 August 2025.
A meeting has been scheduled for the week of 25 August 2025 to establish ways of working, confirm the terms of reference, and lay the foundation for the Taskforce’s objectives, deliverables, and next steps.
We, along with the Department, encourage interested members to apply and will share any further information about the Taskforce as it becomes available. To express interest or learn more, please contact [email protected].
Continuing the work
These developments mark tangible progress on key reform areas where AMA Victoria has been actively advocating on behalf of members. We’ll continue to represent the medical profession’s voice across these and other reform efforts, ensuring the practical realities facing doctors remain front and centre in health system planning. If you have feedback or experiences relevant to these initiatives, we encourage you to get in touch.