Engagement across Parliament remains central to AMA Victoria’s advocacy. We work constructively with all sides of politics in Victoria to ensure the experience and expertise of the medical profession informs public policy. Our positions are shaped by member views and grounded in safe patient care, workforce sustainability and clinically workable reform. Access does not automatically translate into influence. But sustained engagement over time can shape the policy conversation.

The issues referenced in Victorian Parliament this week illustrate the breadth of matters on which AMA Victoria is engaged. Some are complex and contested. Others are straightforward and preventive. These three happened to surface in Hansard. Many others do not.


Intersex legislation

During second reading debate on the Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025, multiple Opposition MPs drew on concerns raised by AMA Victoria about the structure and practical impact of the Bill. Contributions highlighted risks associated with criminal penalties attached to clinical decision-making in a small specialty, including the possibility of deterring doctors from continuing to provide care for this patient group. Concerns were also raised about whether proposed oversight bodies contain sufficient embedded paediatric subspecialist expertise.

Hansard links:

 

ADHD care in Victoria

In the Legislative Council on 5 February, recent Government announcements affecting ADHD assessment and prescribing were raised. Georgie Crozier, Shadow Minister for Health and Member for Southern Metropolitan, referenced concerns expressed by medical Colleges and AMA Victoria regarding consultation, patient safety, clinical governance and continuity of care in relation to stimulant prescribing via the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.

 

Support for sunscreen time in schools

Also on 5 February, Greens MLC Sarah Mansfield raised in the Legislative Council a proposal for dedicated sunscreen reapplication time at the start of school lunch breaks. This followed direct engagement from AMA Victoria, which had put forward the measure as a simple preventive step to reduce avoidable skin cancer risk.

In her contribution, Dr Mansfield noted the preventable burden of skin cancer, peak ultraviolet exposure during lunchtime, and the absence of routine sunscreen reapplication within current school practices, alongside the broader health system and cost implications.

See also: Petition · Support sunscreening in schools - 5 minutes to save a life. - Australia · Change.org

AMA Victoria will continue engaging across Parliament on the full spectrum of issues affecting doctors, patients and the health system.