Here’s an update on a few of the issues AMA Victoria is working on for members, including:
- Ahpra registration fee rebate- share your experience
- Rising medicolegal indemnity costs- AMA advocacy continues.
Ahpra registration fee rebate- share your experience
From this renewal period, practitioners who have taken at least six months of protected leave - including for parental responsibilities, disability, or carer duties - can access a 30% rebate on their registration fee.
The rebate comes with several conditions. It requires a continuous six-month period of leave, raising questions about how separate blocks of leave are assessed and how keeping-in-touch days or short locum work during leave are treated. Other issues include the interaction with non-practising registration, having to pay the full annual fee upfront before the rebate is applied, and the process for applying through Ahpra.
At the same time, Ahpra has commenced a broader review of registration fee equity, with a pro-rata model among the options being considered. Recommendations are expected in late 2025, with possible implementation from mid-2026.
With the 30 September renewal deadline approaching, AMA Victoria is seeking member feedback to guide our advocacy. How has the rebate worked for you so far? What do you think of the eligibility rules, the overall policy design, and the way the scheme is being implemented by Ahpra?
Please send your feedback to [email protected]. Your input will help shape AMA Victoria’s ongoing advocacy on both the rebate and wider Ahpra fee advocacy.
MORE:
Update: Ahpra gender equity and registration fee initiatives
Gender equity and regulation: AMA Victoria engages with Ahpra
AMA Victoria update: Ahpra takes steps towards fairer registration fees
Rising medicolegal indemnity costs - AMA advocacy continues
At the meeting of AMA Victoria’s new Private Practice Specialist Policy Council on 14 August, members raised serious concerns about the rising cost of medical indemnity insurance. Premiums are climbing at a time when Medicare rebates remain out of date, creating significant financial pressure for doctors in private practice.
Members are reminded that if your indemnity premiums are more than 7.5% of your gross private medical income, you may be eligible for rebates or reductions under the Premium Support Scheme (PSS). The scheme is fully funded by the Australian Government and delivered through six participating insurers. More information, including eligibility criteria, is available here.
We also note that AMA Federal is conducting a short, confidential survey to track changes in premiums, claims handling, and insurer restrictions. You can complete the survey here: AMA Federal Indemnity Survey.
AMA will continue to raise these concerns at both state and federal levels to press for indemnity costs that are fair, sustainable, and proportionate to practice income. AMA Victoria will also be meeting with Avant shortly to discuss recent premium increases and the pressures being experienced by members.