Download pdf - AMA 2016 National Conference Observers Handbook · Observers Handbook #amanc16. 1 Contents ... and bullying and harassment in the ... In 2013 Nick delivered the prestigious ES Meyers

Observers Handbook

#amanc16

1

ContentsPresident’s Message 3

Sponsors 4

Official Conference Program 5

Friday, 27 May 2016 5

Saturday, 28 May 2016 6

Sunday, 29 May 2016 7

Social Program 8

President’s Welcome Reception 8

AMA Leadership Development Dinner 8

AMA Gala Dinner 9

National Convention Centre - Floor Plan 10

Friday Agenda 11

Awards 12

National Conference Proceedings 13

Welcome and Official Opening 24

1. Notice of Meeting 27

2. Accreditation of National Conference Delegates 27

3. Adoption of Standing Orders 27

4. Adoption of Minutes 27

5. Matters Arising 27

6. Urgency Motions 27

Debate of Urgency Motions 31

Gala Dinner – Saturday evening 32

Policy Session 1: Assisted Dying: Exploring Members’ Perspectives 35

2016 AMA Fellows 40

2016 Awards Presented at the President’s Welcome Reception 45

AMA DOCTOR IN TRAINING OF THE YEAR AWARD Presented at AMA Leadership Development Dinner 51

Saturday Agenda 52

Policy Session 2: Medical Self-regulation – Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment 53

Policy session 3: Health Policy in an Election Year 55

Policy Session 4: The Role of Private Health Insurance in the Australian Health Care System 57

Policy Session 5: The Medical Profession’s Role in Closing the Gap 59

Policy Session 6: Bullying and Harassment - Changing Culture 60

Debate of Motions 62

Sunday Agenda 63

General Information 64

2

3

President’s Message

Spotlight on Health Policy

The 2016 AMA National Conference in Canberra is the perfect opportunity to put the national spotlight on health policy.

We are in the middle of the Federal Election campaign, and health will be one of the key battlegrounds for the major parties in their efforts to win votes.

It is also an important time for the medical profession with workforce challenges, career pathways, a range of Government reviews, scope of practice issues, and funding and policy planning for primary care and hospitals among many factors influencing how we do our job as doctors.

Our 2016 Conference is a showcase of politics, policy, and medical professionalism.

Featured speakers on opening day are Shadow Health Minister Catherine King and Greens Leader Senator Dr Richard Di Natale. Minister for Health Sussan Ley will attend the Gala Dinner on Saturday night.

Based on delegate feedback from previous Conferences, the Conference program this year is broader, bolder, and more relevant than ever to day-to-day medical practice. We have a high quality mix of contemporary, controversial, and contentious subject matter, respected and topical speakers, interactive policy sessions (which offer valuable CPD points), and a family-friendly Partner Program.

As well as canvassing the health policies of the major parties for the Federal election, our Conference will examine physician assisted dying, medical self-regulation, the role of private health insurance in the Australian health system, Indigenous health, and bullying and harassment in the medical profession.

This is complemented by the usual array of AMA Awards, Roll of Fellows, Leadership Development Dinner, and a Soapbox session to allow delegates to air their views and opinions.

There is also an election for the new AMA President.

I wish everybody — VIPs, delegates, local and overseas guests, members, speakers, sponsors and staff — a successful, informative, and enjoyable conference.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Brian Owler

Federal AMA President

4

SponsorsThe AMA would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the 2016 AMA National Conference:

Platinum Sponsor

AMA Leadership Development Dinner Sponsor

President’s Welcome Reception Sponsor

Communications Sponsor

Conference Sponsors

5

Official Conference Program

Friday 27 May 2016

8:00–10:00 AM REGISTRATION

10:00–10:20 AM Welcome to Country Australian National AnthemDeclaration of Geneva

10:20–10:50 AM President’s Welcome and Address Prof Brian Owler

10:50–11:15 AM Shadow Health Minister’s Address The Hon Catherine King MP

11:15–11:40 AM Australian Greens Leader’s Address Senator Richard Di Natale

11:45 AM–12:10 PM AwardsChair: Prof Brian OwlerMJA, MDA National Prize for Excellence in Medical ResearchAMA Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship presentation

12:10–12:20 PM Sponsor’s Presentation: Synapse Medical Ms Margaret Faux

12:20–1:20 PM Lunch

1:20–1:45 PM National Conference ProceedingsChair: Dr Beverley Rowbotham

1:45–3:45 PM Session 1: Assisted Dying - Exploring Members’ PerspectivesFacilitator: Mr Tony Jones Chair: Dr Michael Gannon

3:45–4:15 PM Afternoon Tea

4:15–4:25 PM Sponsor’s Presentation: Avant Dr Walid Jammal

4:25–4:50 PM Roll of FellowsChair: Dr Beverley Rowbotham

4:50–5:20 PM Annual General Meeting

5:20–6:30 PM President’s Welcome ReceptionBook Launch — Lord Kitchener’s One HundredNational Tobacco Scoreboard/Dirty Ashtray AwardsAMA Media Awards (State and Federal)Woman in Medicine Award Excellence in Healthcare Award

7:30–11:00 PM AMA Leadership Development DinnerThe Boathouse by the Lake — Guest Speaker Dr Nick CoatsworthAMA Doctor in Training of the Year Award Presentation

6

Saturday 28 May 2016

7:30–8:30 AM Federal and State Boards’ BreakfastMurray & Fitzroy Rooms, National Convention Centre

9:00–10:00 AM Session 2: Medical Self-regulation — Diagnosis, Prognosis and TreatmentChair: A/Prof Susan Neuhaus

10:00–10:15 AM AMSA President presentation Ms Elise Buisson

10:15–10:45 AM Morning Tea

10:45 AM–12:15 PM Session 3: Health Policy in an Election YearFacilitator: Mr Paul Bongiorno Chair: Dr Stephen Parnis

12:15–1:15 PM Lunch

1:15–2:15 PM Session 4: The Role of Private Health Insurance in the Australian Health Care SystemModerator: Prof Brian Owler

2:15–2:20 PM Sponsor’s Presentation: Palliative CareDr Karen Detering

2:20–3:15 PM Session 5: The Medical Profession’s Role in Closing the Gap Facilitator: Ms Brooke Boney Chair: Prof Brian Owler

3:15–3:30 PM Afternoon tea

3:30–5:00 PM Session 6: Bullying and Harassment — Changing CultureChair: Dr Danika Thiemt

5:00–5:30 PM Debate of Urgency Motions

7:30–11:00 PM Gala DinnerGuest Speaker: The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for HealthPresident’s Award Presentation(Old Parliament House tour starts at 7:00pm)

7

Sunday 29 May 2016

8:15–9:15 AM Breakfast with an Expert National Convention Centre

9:15–9.30 AM Welcome Coffee

9:30–10:30 AM Session 7: SoapboxModerator: Dr Beverley Rowbotham


11:00–11:45 AM Election of Office Bearers PresidentVice-President

New President’s Statement

11:45 AM Installation of President and Vice President

12:00 PM Conference Concludes

Please note that this program is subject to change.

8

Social Program

President’s Welcome Reception

Friday 27 May, 5:20 PM

Location: National Convention Centre — 31 Constitution Ave, Canberra

Dress: Business Attire

All attendees at the National Conference are invited to attend the President’s Welcome Reception, commencing at 5:20 PM on Friday, to be held in the Murray and Fitzroy rooms at the National Convention Centre.

The President’s Welcome Reception is proudly sponsored by:

Aspen Medical is an Australian-owned, award-winning global provider of guaranteed and innovative healthcare solutions across a diverse range of clients in the Defence, Resources, Government and Humanitarian sectors. We are a world leader in the delivery of healthcare solutions in any setting, particularly those that are remote, challenging or under-resourced.

AMA Leadership Development Dinner

Friday 27 May, 7:30 PM (sharp)

Location: The Boat House by the Lake — Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton

Dress: Smart Casual

Come to the AMA Leadership Development Dinner to hear former Médecins Sans Frontières President, Dr Nick Coatsworth, share his experiences in working in humanitarian and disaster response environments, and talk on leadership.

Dr Nick Coatsworth is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and specialises in both respiratory medicine and infectious diseases. He is currently Director of Infectious Diseases for Canberra Hospital.

Nick began his humanitarian career with Médecins Sans Frontierès in 2004. He has worked in Congo-Brazzaville, Chad and the Darfur region of Sudan. Dr Coatsworth served on the MSF Australia Board of Directors from 2008-2014. He was elected President in 2010 serving for two terms.

In the wake of the Typhoon Haiyan disaster of 2013, Nick led the second Australian Medical Assistance Team (AusMAT) deployed to Tacloban City in the Philippines. Nick has also led a medico-logistic team to the Arnhem Land community of Maningrida to eradicate trachoma, and as Executive Director of Australia’s National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC), coordinated the AusMAT deployments to Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.

In 2013 Nick delivered the prestigious ES Meyers Oration at the University of Queensland during which he discussed his experiences in humanitarianism. He is now a Director on the Board of Careflight NSW.

Nick graduated from the University of Western Australia in 2001 and holds a Masters degree in International Public Health from the University of Sydney. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2015 he received the State Manager of the Year (NT) award from the Australian Institute of Management for his work with the NCCTRC. He has written widely for online and print media, has published in scientific and policy journals, and regularly addresses audiences about humanitarian issues in Australia and overseas.

9

The AMA Doctor in Training of the Year Award will also be presented at the dinner.

AMA Leadership Development Dinner is proudly sponsored by:

As Australia’s leading MDO, we exist to protect you. Our strength extends to everything we do; from our comprehensive professional indemnity insurance and in-house medico-legal team, the largest of all MDOs in Australia, to our defence of claims, our industry voice and our national and state-based resources. Find out more: avant.org.au. Professional indemnity insurance products are issued by Avant Insurance Limited, AFSL 238 765. Please read the PDS, available at www.avant.org.au or contact us on 1800 128 268.

AMA Gala Dinner

Saturday 28 May, 7:30 PM (Complimentary tour of Old Parliament House commencing at 7:00 PM)

Location: Old Parliament House Canberra —18 King George Terrace, Parkes

Dress: Black Tie with a 1920s Theme!

The Gala Dinner is the social highlight of the Conference. The AMA invites delegates and their partners to enjoy a three-course meal at Old Parliament House and experience an atmosphere steeped in history at one of Australia’s most memorable heritage attractions.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Coach transfers to the Gala Dinner at Old Parliament House will depart from the Crowne Hotel, commencing at 6:40 PM. We recommend that guests taking the complimentary tour take the first coach transfer. Returning transfers will be offered back to the Crowne, commencing 10:00 PM.

For further information, please check with AMA Secretariat staff at the registration desk.

avant.org.au

www.avant.org.au

10

National Convention Centre

*Registration desk is located in the Ballroom Foyer on the first floor.

*All plenary sessions will be held in the Ballroom located on the first floor.

*Catering will be served in the Murray and Fitzroy rooms on the first floor.

FRIDAY

11

Friday Agenda

Friday 27 May 2016

8:00–10:00 AM REGISTRATION

10:00–10:20 AM Welcome to Country Australian National AnthemDeclaration of Geneva

10:20–10:50 AM President’s Welcome and Address Prof Brian Owler

10:50–11:15 AM Shadow Health Minister’s Address The Hon Catherine King MP

11:15–11:40 AM Australian Greens Leader’s Address Senator Richard Di Natale

11:45 AM–12:10 PM AwardsChair: Prof Brian OwlerMJA, MDA National Prize for Excellence in Medical ResearchAMA Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship presentation

12:10–12:20 PM Sponsor’s Presentation: Synapse Medical Ms Margaret Faux

12:20–1:20 PM Lunch

1:20–1:45 PM National Conference ProceedingsChair: Dr Beverley Rowbotham

1:45–3:45 PM Session 1: Assisted Dying - Exploring Members’ PerspectivesFacilitator: Mr Tony Jones Chair: Dr Michael Gannon

3:45–4:15 PM Afternoon Tea

4:15–4:25 PM Sponsor’s Presentation: Avant Dr Walid Jammal

4:25–4:50 PM Roll of FellowsChair: Dr Beverley Rowbotham

4:50–5:20 PM Annual General Meeting

5:20–6:30 PM President’s Welcome ReceptionBook Launch — Lord Kitchener’s One HundredNational Tobacco Scoreboard/Dirty Ashtray AwardsAMA Media Awards (State and Federal)Woman in Medicine Award Excellence in Healthcare Award

7:30–11:00 PM AMA Leadership Development DinnerThe Boathouse by the Lake — Guest Speaker Dr Nick CoatsworthAMA Doctor in Training of the Year Award Presentation

12

Awards

Friday 27 May 2016, 11:45 AM–12:10 PM

Chair


Presented by

Laureate Professor Nicholas Talley, Editor-in-Chief, Medical Journal of Australia.

Dr Dror Maor, MDA National

Winners

Ms Andrea Schaffer

Associate Professor Sallie Pearson

Professor Emily Banks

MJA, MDA National Prize for Excellence in Medical Research

The MJA, MDA National Prize for Excellence in Medical Research honours the best clinical research article published in the MJA in the previous calendar year. This prestigious prize has been awarded annually since 1995, and is now generously sponsored by the medical defence organisation, MDA National. The research articles are judged by an independent panel of experts, including some of Australia’s best clinical researchers.

The prize is a cheque for $10,000 from MDA National.

Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship

Winner

Darren Hartnett, University of Newcastle

The Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship was established in 1994 to provide financial support to assist promising Indigenous medical students through their study, with the aim of increasing the number of Indigenous doctors in Australia. The value of the 2016 scholarship is $10,000 per annum, and is paid for each year of medicine the recipient successfully completes.

The AMA has supported many young Indigenous doctors through the scheme, including some who are now prominent figures in Australian medicine.

13

National Conference Proceedings

Friday 27 May 2016, 1:20–1:45 PM

Agenda

1. Notice of Meeting

2. Delegates

3. Adoption of Standing Orders

4. Adoption of the Minutes of the 2015 National Conference

5. Matters Arising/ Outcomes of the 2015 National Conference

14


The notice of AMA 2016 National Conference was published on 4 April 2016 in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Draft Motion

“That the Notice of Conference for the 2016 National Conference of Australian Medical Association Limited be taken as read.”

27th–29th May

Register now for the AMA 2016 National Conference!

• Assisted Dying – Exploring Members’ Perspectives Facilitated by Tony Jones

• The Medical Profession’s role in closing the gap – Facilitated by Brooke Boney

• Health Policy in an election year• Bullying and Harassment –

Changing culture

Find out more at ama.com.au/nationalconference or contact us via email [email protected]

AMA NATIONALCONFERENCECANBERRA 2016

Highlights include:

15

2. Delegates

MEMBERS OF FEDERAL COUNCIL

Dr Tony Bartone Ms Elise Buisson Dr Richard Choong

Dr Janice Fletcher Dr Elizabeth Gallagher — apology Dr Michael Gannon

Prof Gary Geelhoed A/Prof Timothy Greenaway A/Prof John Gullotta AM

Dr Bradley Horsburgh Prof Mark Khangure — apology Dr Omar Korshid

Dr Richard Kidd A/Prof Robyn Langham A/Prof Jeffrey Looi

Dr Helen McArdle Dr Roderick McRae Dr Andrew Miller

Dr Brian Morton AM A/Prof David Mountain Dr Christopher Moy

Dr Andrew Mulcahy A/Prof Susan Neuhaus Prof Brian Owler

A/Prof Robert Parker Dr Stephen Parnis Dr Gino Pecoraro

Dr David Rivett Dr Beverley Rowbotham Dr Saxon Smith

Dr Danika Thiemt Dr Richard Whiting Dr Christopher Zappala

STATE AMA REPRESENTATIVES

Australian Capital Territory (2)

Dr Antonio DiDio Dr Iain Dunlop

New South Wales (17)

Dr Kathryn Austin Dr Michael Bonning Dr Costa Boyages

Dr Louis Christie Dr Elizabeth Feeney Dr Elizabeth Marles

Dr Sandy Jusuf Dr Ross Kerridge Dr Danielle McMullen

Dr John Parikh Dr Andrew Pesce Dr Tony Sara

Prof Simon Willcock Dr Christine Mulligan Dr Alan Pham

Dr Jason Wu Dr Stephen Hurwitz

Northern Territory (2)

Dr David Chapman Dr Stephen Gourley

Queensland (12)

Dr Sharmila Biswas Dr Kimberley Bondeson Dr William Boyd

Dr Lisa Byrom Dr Thomas Campbell Dr James Finn

Dr Wayne Herdy Dr Scott Horsburgh Dr Bavahuna Manoharan

Dr John Murray Dr Kirsten Price TBA

South Australia (3)

Prof William Tam Dr John Woodall Dr Jane Zhang

Tasmania (2)

Dr John Davis Dr Christopher Middleton

16

Victoria (14)

Dr Sue Abhary Dr Terence Ahern Dr David Andrew

Dr Lorraine Baker Dr Dominic Barbaro Dr Marian Biddle

Dr Rachel Goh Dr Harry Hemley Dr David Noble

Dr Gerald Segal Dr Zoe Wainer Dr Sarah Whitelaw

Dr Bernadette Wilks Dr Xavier Yu

Western Australia (9)

Dr Janice Bell Dr Mariam Bahemia A/Prof Rosanna Capolingua

Dr Martin Chapman Dr Daniel Heredia Dr Dror Maor

Dr Andrew Miller Dr Sarah Strathie-Page TBC

SPECIALITY GROUP & SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP REPRESENTATIVES

Anaesthetists (3)

Dr Guy Christie-Taylor Dr Genevieve Goulding Dr David M Scott

Dermatologists (2)

A/Prof Chris Baker Dr Andrew Satchel

Doctors in Training (14)

Dr Nusin Ahmed Dr Matthew Cheng Dr Malcolm Forbes

Dr Patrick Galloway Dr Kate Kearney Dr Tessa Kennedy

Dr Enis Kocak Dr Prashanti Manchikanti Dr Lauren O’Rourke

Dr Michael Page Dr Alistair Park Dr Daniel White

Dr Chris Wilson Dr John Zorbas

Emergency Physicians (2)

Dr Alex Markwell Dr David McCoubrie

General Practitioners (15)

Dr Ralph Audehm Dr Suzanne Davey Dr Andrew Jackson

Dr Matthew Gray Dr Cathy Hutton Dr Peter Maguire

Dr Michael Levick Dr Kean-Seng Lim Prof Bernard Pearn-Rowe

Dr Monika Moy Dr Penelope Need Dr Anne Wilson

Dr Shaun Rudd Dr John De Laat

Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (2)

Dr Christopher Price Dr Christine Thevathasan

Ophthalmologists (2)

Dr Ashish Agar Dr Peter Sumich

17

Orthopaedic Surgeons (2)

TBC TBC

Paediatricians (2)

Dr Paul Bauert Dr Kathryn Browning

Pathologist (2)

Dr Robert Conyers Dr Nick Musgrave

Physicians (6)

Prof Brad Frankum Dr Phillip Harding Dr Andrew NunnDr Greg Rowell Dr Matthew McConnell TBC

Private Specialist Practice Doctors (2)

A/Prof Julian Rait Undisclosed

Psychiatrists (3)

Dr Martin Nothling Dr Bill Pring Dr Choong-Siew Yong

Public Hospital Doctors (3)

Dr Barbara Bauert Prof Geoff Dobb Dr Andrew Russell

Radiologists (2)

Dr Greg Slater Dr Sue Ulreich

Rural Doctors (2)

Dr Sandra Hirowatari Dr Geoff White

Surgeons (4)

Dr John Buntine TBC TBC

Dr Jill Tomlinson

Draft Motion:

“That the list of delegates appointed in accordance with clause 16 of the Constitution is noted.”

OTHER ATTENDEES (NON VOTING)

Official Observers

Mr Paul Boyatzis — AMA WA

Ms Fiona Davies — AMA NSW

Mr Joseph Hooper — AMA SA

Ms Frances Mirabelli — AMA VIC

Ms Jane Schmitt — AMA QLD

Mr Peter Somerville — AMA ACT

Mr Tony Steven — AMA TAS

Ms Fiona Thomson — AMA NT

18

Australian Medical Students Association

Ms Tabish Aleemullah

Ms Chloe Boateng

Mr Matthew Lennon

Mr Ciaran O’Brian

Australasian Medical Publishing Company

Laureate Prof Nick Talley, Editor-in-Chief Medical Journal of Australia

MDA National Mutual

Dr Dror Maor

Overseas Guests

Dr Andrew Dearden — British Medical Association

Dr Wei Sun — Chinese Medical Association

Dr Qing-long Meng — Chinese Medical Association

Dr Gu Faming — Chinese Medical Association

Dr Stephen Child — New Zealand Medical Association

Ms Lesley Clark — New Zealand Medical Association

Dr Yeh Woei Chong — Singapore Medical Association

Observers

Dr Bryce Phillips (Past AMA President 1988–1990)

Dr David Brand (Past AMA President 1998–2000)

A/Prof Rosanna Capolingua (Past AMA President 2007–2009)

Dr Andrew Pesce (Past AMA President 2009–2011)

Dr Steve Hambleton (Past AMA President 2011–2014)

Federal AMA Staff

Ms Anne Trimmer Mr Adrian Rollins

Mr John Barry Mr Howard Pickrell

Ms Sally Cross Ms Irene Quah

Mr John Flannery Dr Kate Stockhausen

Mr Warwick Hough Mr Simon Tatz

Ms Ester Mijoc Ms Kirsty Waterford

Mr Colin O’Sullivan Mr Alex White

Ms Sarah Morrison

Attendees as of 16th of May.

19Adopted National Conference 2016


AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION LIMITED | A.C.N. 008 426 793

Standing Orders of National Conference

1 Preamble

The National Conference is convened under clause 16 of the Constitution of Australian Medical Association Limited.

The business of National Conference includes:

a. in each alternate year, the election of the President and Vice President of the Association;

b. facilitating a forum for the discussion of matters determined by the Federal Council; and

c. any other matters which may lawfully be transacted at the National Conference.

The National Conference has an advisory role only and any decision made at the National Conference is not binding on the Association (other than the election of the President and Vice President).

2 Definitions

In these Standing Orders:

2.1 “Conference” means the National Conference as defined in the Constitution.

2.2 “Delegate” means a Member appointed according to clause 16 of the Constitution and includes any Member notified in writing to the Chairman as substitute or proxy for an appointed Delegate.

2.3 “Observing Member” means a Member who is not a Delegate but who has produced evidence of membership to the satisfaction of the Secretary General and is thereby authorised to be in attendance at the Conference.

3 Conduct of Meetings

3.1 All sessions of the National Conference are presided over by the Chair of Council or, in the absence of the Chair, by a Chair appointed by the meeting from its own number.

3.2 Observing Members may identify themselves as Observing Members and may, with the express permission of the Chair, address a session of the Conference, but are not be entitled to move any motion or amendment, nor vote in any of the business of the Conference.

4 Order of Business

4.1 The order of business is as printed in the agenda unless varied at the request of the Chair or by two-thirds vote of Delegates present and voting.

4.2 Presidential Statement: The President may, without prior notification, make a presidential statement which may be subject to discussion. The position of the presidential statement in the order of business may be determined by the Chair.

4.3 Notice of Motions and accompanying briefing notes must be received by the Secretary General not less than five weeks before the date fixed for the meeting, or at such later time as accepted by the Chair.


4.4 Business with notice: Conference must consider motions arising out of sessions as if they were motions of which written notice had been given.

4.5 Urgency motions: the Chair may accept a request that a matter be dealt with as an urgency motion, provided that such a request is made in writing before 1.00pm on the first day of the Conference. Any such motion where feasible, must be accompanied by an appropriate briefing note and submitted to the Chair.

4.6 Election of President and Vice President: Conference must elect, on the last day of Conference in each alternate year, the President and the Vice-President of the Association.

5 Quorum

No business may be transacted unless at least one half of the number of Delegates eligible to attend is present, or if that is not a whole number, the next highest whole number of Delegates.

6 Rules of Debate

6.1 The remarks of a speaker must be directed strictly to the motion or amendment under discussion.

6.2 The mover of any original motion is allowed five minutes to introduce it and three minutes to reply. With this exception, no speech may exceed three minutes. An extension of time may be granted only at the discretion of the Chair and with the permission of the Delegates attending the session. No time limit may be imposed on the President. A motion to grant an extension of time will not be discussed.

6.3 No Delegate, other than the President, may address the session more than once on any motion or amendment, subject to the following provisos:

6.3.1 the mover of a motion has a right to reply at the termination of the debate on the first amendment, or at the termination of the debate if no amendment is moved;

6.3.2 any reply must be strictly confined to answering previous speakers and must not introduce any new matter into the debate;

6.3.3 the mover of an amendment has no right of reply;

6.3.4 a Delegate may speak to a point of order or, at the discretion of the Chair, on a point of explanation.

6.4 No seconder is required for any motion from the Chair; all other motions, and all amendments must be seconded.

6.5 A motion or amendment, once moved and seconded, may not be altered or withdrawn without the consent of Delegates present at the session.

6.6 All motions and amendments must be in writing, except those included in the agenda.

6.7 When an amendment has been moved and seconded, no other amendment may be moved until the first amendment has been disposed of, but notice of any further amendments may be given.

6.8 If an amendment is rejected, other amendments may be moved on the original motion. If an amendment is carried, the motion as amended becomes the motion and becomes the question to which any further amendment may be moved, or upon which the final vote may be taken.


6.9 Urgency Motions:

6.9.1 Should a Delegate consider that a matter is of such urgency that it warrants debate during a session of the Conference, the Chair may allow such Delegate two minutes in which to explain why the matter should be debated during the session. The Delegate must not, at this stage, discuss the substantive motion. At the conclusion of this address, the Delegate must move, “that the matter ‘X’ be debated as a matter of urgency, in the absence of notice.” The motion requires a seconder and a two-thirds majority of Delegates present and voting to be carried. A motion to consider any business without notice as a matter of urgency must not be discussed.

6.9.2 The substantive motion must commence with the words, “That the Federal Council be requested to look into.” or words to that effect.

6.9.3 The proposer of the substantive motion may be allowed three minutes to introduce the motion. Each successive speaker may be allowed one minute.

6.9.4 No amendments may be moved, but the Secretariat must note any dissenting views for consideration by Federal Council in the event that the motion is carried.

6.9.5 The mover of the motion may have a right of reply, which must not exceed one minute.

6.9.6 The motion requires a simple majority to be carried.

6.9.7 Formal motions, other than a motion under Standing Order 7.2 (that the question be put), may not be moved during the debate on the substantive motion, as the Conference, in passing the urgency motion, has agreed to debate the substantive motion.

7 Formal Motions

7.1 Adjournment of debate

Any Delegate who has not spoken to the motion or to an amendment, may, at the close of any speech, move “That the debate be now adjourned”, and, if this motion is carried, may be entitled to re-open the debate when resumed.

7.1.1 Such a disposition motion must, immediately and without discussion, except as to time, date, and place of adjournment, be put to the vote, subject to the mover of the original motion, if opposed to the adjournment motion, addressing Delegates as to why the matter should be dealt with immediately. The proposer may not again, during debate on this issue, address the question of the matter being dealt with immediately.

7.1.2 The Chair may refuse to put the disposition motion if it is considered to be premature and so declared. The disposition motion may be put again after an interval has elapsed, such interval to be at the Chair’s discretion.

7.2 The question be put

Any Delegate who has not spoken to the motion or to any amendment to it, at any time during debate, may move “That the question be now put”. Such expedition motion, if seconded, must immediately and without discussion be put to the vote, and if carried, the question under discussion is dealt with immediately.


8 Voting

8.1 Every question must be determined by a show of hands unless a request for a secret ballot is supported by a simple majority of Delegates present and voting, in which case the form of the secret ballot may be determined by the Chair.

8.2 Every Delegate is entitled to vote.

The Chair may, in the event of an equality of votes, have a casting vote, but otherwise must not vote.

8.3 The vote of a Delegate, either for or against a particular motion, must be so recorded in the Minutes if requested by that Delegate.

9 Rescission of Resolutions

No motion to rescind a Resolution of the Conference may be proposed at the same meeting, and a subsequent Conference will not be bound by the recommendations of a previous Conference.

10 Re-introduction of Lost Motions

No motion which has been defeated, or which raises the same issue as a motion that has been defeated, may be proposed at the same meeting.

11 Minutes

11.1 Minutes must be taken of the proceedings of the Conference and entered in a book kept for that purpose. A copy of the minutes will be issued with the agenda for the next Conference.

11.2 The minutes require confirmation by the next Conference.

12 Confidentiality

Should Conference so determine, proceedings of the Conference, and specified documents, may be considered as confidential to Delegates.

13 Suspension of Standing Orders

Any one of the Standing Orders may, in case of urgency so determined by two-thirds of the Delegates present and voting, or after notice duly given, be suspended by Conference, so far as the business at such Conference, by a two-thirds majority of Delegates present and voting.

14 Committee of Conference

14.1 Conference may at any time move into Committee for the purpose of considering any matter before it. On moving into Committee, all persons not being Delegates, other than the Secretary General, and any other officials of the Association exempted by the Chair, may be requested to withdraw from the meeting.

14.2 Whilst “in Committee”, the rules of debate are the same as for Conference, except that a Delegate may, with the consent of the Chair, speak more than once on the same issue.

14.3 On conclusion of the consideration of the business “in Committee”, the Conference may, by Resolution, resume; those who have withdrawn will be invited to return to the meeting; and the Chair must report on the outcome of the proceedings of the Committee to the Conference.


15 Representatives of the Press

15.1 Representatives of official publications of the Association, of the State AMAs and of the Special Interest Groups are entitled to be present at all sessions of the Conference at the discretion of the Chair.

15.2 Members of other news media may be admitted to attend the presentations at a session at the discretion of the Chair.

16 Elections

16.1 The Secretary General, or, in the absence of that official, a person appointed by the Chair, will act as Returning Officer in connection with all elections.

16.2 The nominations, in the form prescribed by the Secretary General, must be received by the Secretary General not less than two weeks before the Conference at which an election is to be conducted.

16.3 If only one candidate is nominated for office, that candidate must at once be declared by the Returning Officer to be elected.

16.3 Election of the President and Vice President must be conducted on the morning of the last day of Conference, in the following order:

a. President

b. Vice President.

16.5 If more than one candidate is nominated the names of all candidates must be placed on a voting paper in random order, determined in a manner chosen by the Returning Officer. Voting must occur by the preferential system. Voting papers must be issued and collected at such time as the Returning Officer directs.

16.6 Where there is more than one candidate, each candidate may address the Delegates prior to voting, with each candidate allowed five minutes to present their case to the Delegates. The order of speakers will follow the order of candidates on the voting paper.

16.7 The Chair is entitled to vote in the election of the President and Vice President but does not have a casting vote.

16.7 A candidate successful in the ballot for one position is elected to that position and may not be a candidate for any other position.

16.8 In the event of a tie, the Returning Officer must call again for nominations for the contested position. Conference must adjourn for 15 minutes to allow for such nominations, and then re-assemble and vote a second time. This process is repeated until a candidate gains a majority of votes cast.

16.9 The President and Vice President take office at the conclusion of the National Conference.

24

NATIONAL CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS — ADOPTION OF 2015 NATIONAL CONFERENCE MINUTES

4. Adoption of the 2015 National Conference Minutes

Draft Minutes

The 2015 National Conference of the Australian Medical Association was held at the Brisbane Hilton Hotel, from 10.00AM on Friday 29 May until 12.30PM on Sunday 31 May 2015.

FRIDAY 29 MAY 2015

Welcome and Official Opening

The President, Prof Brian Owler, welcomed delegates, observers and guests to the 2015 AMA National Conference and acknowledged the traditional owners of the lands on which the conference was being held, the Turrbal Aboriginal Nation, traditional owners of Meanjin. He invited Uncle Eddy to conduct the ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem by D’Arne Sleeman.

The President then asked delegates to be up standing for the Official Reading of the Declaration of Geneva.

The President addressed the delegates, observers and guests and welcomed the following international guests and presented them with a gift.

From the British Medical Association

• Baroness Ilora Finlay

• Dr Andrew Dearden

From the New Zealand Medical Association

• Dr Stephen Child

From the America Medical Association

• Dr Robert Wah MD

From the Chinese Medical Association

• Dr Wu Ming-jiang

• Ms Ya-ling Zhao

• Dr Zhao-yun Shi

• Ms Wei-li Zhao

From the Myanmar Medical Association

• Prof Rai Mra

The President welcomed the Minister for Health and Sport, The Hon Sussan Ley MP to address the delegates.

Address by the Minister for Health and Sport, the Hon Sussan Ley MP

The Minister opened her speech by acknowledging the work of the President and Secretary General and thanking the Australian Medical Association for focusing this year’s National Conference on health policy and administration.

25


The highlighted points from the Minister’s presentation included:

• Agreement with the National Conference theme that Medicare is in a midlife turning point and that the Government is focusing on the following areas

o Making better use of the Health budget with strategic spending;

o The Government needs to be sensible in its revision and renovation of Medicare.

• The Government Budget initiatives:

o Improve primary care and mental health outcomes, systems and structures;

o Deliver better management of chronic disease;

o Provide affordable access to medication;

o Support regional rural and indigenous health systems; and

o Deliver a more efficient health system.

• The Minister provided an overview of the MBS Review which will be led by Prof Bruce Robinson. The Primary Health Care Advisory Group will be led by former Australian Medical Association President, Dr Steve Hambleton. The Review will provide a major contribution to getting Medicare back on track and improving the services provided to the patients.

• Other areas highlighted in the Minister’s Speech included:

o Public Hospitals

o E Health

o Health Workforce

o After Hours Care.

The President thanked the Minister for her insights and welcomed the offer to work together to improve the Australian health system to ensure that all Australians have access to a world-class health system.

The Minister was invited to stay for the presentation by Shadow Health Minister, The Hon Catherine King MP.

The President welcomed the Shadow Health Minister, The Hon Catherine King MP to address the delegates.

Address by the Shadow Minister for Health, the Hon Catherine King MP.

The Shadow Minister opened her speech by acknowledging the traditional owners and the representatives from the international medical associations. She thanked the Australian Medical Association President and Vice President for the integral role they provide in the support of the medical profession and the role of the Australian Medical Association in the health care of Australia.

The highlighted points from the Shadow Minister’s presentation included:

• Budget 2015–16 — the areas of concern for the Labor Opposition include:

o Further cuts to public hospital investment and primary care

o Cuts to preventable health programs

o MBS rebate freeze

• Future Labor policy development will include:

o Investing in prevention in areas such obesity, alcohol, tobacco and physical activity

o Ensuring that Primary Care is affordable, accessible and universal and proactive.

• The President thanked the Shadow Minister for her views on the major concerns for the health of Australians.



MJA/MDA National Prize for Excellence in Medical Research.

The President welcomed Dr Beres Wenck, MDA National Board Member and Dr Francis Geronimo MJA Deputy Editor to present the MJA/MDA National Prize for Excellence in Medical Research.

The Prize was awarded to a research article which studied the association between the introduction of tobacco plain packaging in Australia from 1 October 2012 and the change in the number of calls to smoking cessation helpline, Quitline. The article was judged the best research article published in the Medical Journal of Australia in the previous calendar year.

The winning article, “Association between tobacco plain packaging and Quitline calls: a population based, interrupted time-series analysis”, was authored by Jane Young, professor of cancer epidemiology at the Sydney School of Public Health at the University of Sydney; Ingrid Stacey, biostatistical officer with the Cancer Institute NSW; Timothy Dobbins, senior lecturer at the Sydney School of Public Health; Sally Dunlop, research associate at the Cancer Institute NSW; Anita Dessaix, manager of cancer prevention at the Cancer Institute NSW; and, David Currow, chief executive of the Cancer Institute NSW.

The winning study compared the association between plain packaging and calls to the Quitline with the impact of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging, introduced from 1 March 2006. The main outcome measure was the weekly number of calls to the Quitline, after adjusting for seasonal trends, anti-tobacco advertising, cigarette costliness and the number of smokers in the community.

The researchers found a 78% increase in the number of calls to the Quitline associated with the introduction of plain packaging. The number of calls peaked at four weeks after the initial appearance of plain packaging and the effect was prolonged.

Sponsored by MDA National, the prize awards the authors $10,000 in cash.

Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship

The President introduced the Indigenous Peoples’ Medical scholarship outlining its purpose to encourage and support Indigenous students who are preparing for careers in medicine, particularly those intending to work in Indigenous communities.

This year the scholarship was presented to Ms India Latimore, who has a passion for health education and hopes to work with children and young adults to help foster healthier lifestyles and reduce the incidence of chronic preventable diseases. As part of this, Ms Latimore works as a foster carer for Aboriginal children during her university breaks.

The AMA Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship is valued at $10,000 for each year of study.

The President welcomed, Mr Peter Croft, Regional Director of Allocate Software Australia and New Zealand to address the delegates and thanked Allocate for its support as a platinum sponsor.

The President closed the morning session and advised that proceedings would recommence at 13.30PM.

National Conference Proceedings

The Chair of Council, Dr Beverley Rowbotham welcomed the delegates to the AMA National Conference 2015 and declared that a quorum was present.

27


The Chair thanked the following sponsors:

1. Platinum sponsor, Allocate

2. Communications sponsor, American Express

3. AMA Leadership Development sponsor, Avant for its support in facilitating the attendance of former Prime Minister, The Hon Julia Gillard as guest speaker at the dinner.

4. Gala Dinner sponsor, OnePath

5. Conference sponsor, Decision Assist

6. Conference sponsor, FM Practice Solutions

7. Conference sponsor, National Health and Medical Research Council

8. Conference sponsor, UpToDate

9. Conference sponsor, AMP

10. Conference sponsor, Hertz


RESOLVED (Chair) nem con

That the notice of the 2015 National Conference of Australian Medical Association Limited be taken as read.

2. Accreditation of National Conference Delegates

The Chair of Council, in accordance with Standing Order 5 of National Conference Standing Orders advised that no business could be transacted unless at least one half of the number of delegates eligible to attend, or if that is not a whole number, the next highest number of delegates, be present. He noted a list of delegates had been circulated with 156 delegates, appointed in accordance with clause 16 of the Constitution.



That the Standing Orders for National Conference, as circulated, be adopted.

4. Adoption of Minutes

The attention of delegates was drawn to page 25 of the conference handbook and the draft minutes of the 2014 National Conference.


That the minutes of the 2014 National Conference, as circulated, be adopted.

5. Matters Arising

The Chair advised that there were three motions passed at the 2014 National Conference and advised that a report on the outcomes could be found in the conference handbook on page 37.

Urgency Motions

The Chair advised that two urgency motions had been received.

28


Urgency Motion 1

That National Conference recognises that many graduating medical students and junior doctors around Australia are currently unable to find quality training positions due to a lack of available places. National Conference condemns the Government’s decision to fund a new medical school when there is already evidence that some medical graduates will be unable to progress to full specialist qualificationand that this decision will only make this problem much worse. National Conference calls on Federal Council to:

• continue to strongly advocate for the commitment to a new medical school to be reconsidered.

• call for state and federal Governments to collaborate to ensure robust health workforce planning through the National Medical Training Advisory Network so that medical workforce numbers are matched to community need.

• requests that the Health Minister seeks the advice of the National Medical Training Advisory Network, as well as the AMA, AMSA, state health departments and the Department of Health as part of any process to consider any further increase in medical student numbers

Moved By: Mr James Lawler AMSA President

Second By: Dr Michael Gannon AMA WA President

A motion was put to delegates to accept the proposed motion as an urgency motion. The motion was passed by the delegates.

Urgency Motion 2

Pursuant to existing AMA policy “The Health of Asylum Seekers 2011”:

That National Conference request Federal Council to review its policy as a matter of urgency. The review should particularly note new evidence of ongoing and permanent damage being inflicted on detainees as a consequence of the July 19 2013 Law.

Moved By: Dr Paul Bauert

Second By: Dr Andrew Pesce

A motion was put to delegates to accept the proposed motion as an urgency motion. The motion was passed by the delegates.

Policy Session 1 — Funding Quality General Practice — is it time for change?

The Chair invited Dr Brian Morton to chair the session supported by the following speakers:

1. Dr Steve Hambleton — shared the objectives of the Primary Health Care Advisory Group.

2. Dr Timothy Ross — presented on how the new generation of GPs see quality general practice being funded and rewarded and how it fits with the changing workforce.

3. Dr Tony Bartone — highlighted the role of fee for service in the provision of health care in Australia.

4. Dr Tony Lembke — presented on how funding for general practice could be changed to support the provision of quality care, drawing on overseas evidence.

29


Roll of Fellows

The President announced the following AMA members had been approved by Federal Council for admission to the AMA Roll of Fellows. He thanked them for their outstanding contributions to the AMA and their profession.

1. Dr Iain Dunlop

2. Associate Professor Robyn Langham (in absentia)

3. Dr Christopher Moy

Each Fellow was presented with a framed certificate. Dr Dunlop addressed the delegates on behalf of the new Fellows, acknowledging the achievements of his colleagues and thanking fellow members for their recognition.

Following the awarding of the fellowships, the meeting closed for the Annual General Meeting.

PRESIDENT’S COCKTAIL PARTY

The President hosted a cocktail party at the Brisbane Hilton to welcome delegates, observers and guests. The president presented the following awards:

• AMA/ACOSH Dirty Ashtray Award 2015 — the South Australian Government received the award for the Government that has done the least to act on tobacco control measures in the past year.

• State Awards:

o Best Lobby Campaign 2015 — AMA New South Wales — ‘NSW State Election’

o Best Public Health Campaign 2015 — AMA Queensland — ‘Obesity Campaign’

o Best State Publication 2015 — AMA Victoria — ‘VicDoc’

o National Advocacy Award 2015 — AMA Victoria — ‘Stop the co-payment #StopTheCoP’

o Most Innovative Use of Website or New Media 2015 — AMA Western Australia — ‘Part-Time Doctor Portal’

o Woman in Medicine Award — Dr Joanna Flynn was awarded the 2015 AMA Woman in Medicine Award in recognition of her contribution to the development of general practice as a distinct professional specialty, and to improving the quality of care for patients in Australia.

o Excellence in Health Care Award — Associate Professor Smita Shah, Director of the Primary Care Education and Research Unit at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital, was presented with the award in recognition of her outstanding contribution as a researcher, clinician and teacher.

SATURDAY 30 MAY 2015

The Conference recommenced at 09.00AM Saturday 30 May. The Secretary General welcomed the delegates to day 2 of National Conference and introduced the President to chair Policy Session 2.

Policy Session 2 — Quality Public Hospital Services: Funding capacity for performance.

The session discussed the need for resources to ensure sufficient, reliable and certain funding for public hospitals.

30


Prof Owler was joined by the following speakers:

1. Dr Diane Watson, CEO National Health Performance Authority — shared with delegates how hospital performance is measured and what indicators can be used to forecast the needs of hospital care.

2. A/Prof Tim Greenaway, President Australian Medical Association Tasmania — presented a personal perspective on public hospital funding in a smaller State with significant demographic challenges.

3. Mr Cameron Dick, Minister for Health Queensland — provided a State government perspective on Commonwealth/State funding arrangements for public hospitals.

Policy Session 3 — Waste not, want not: Ethics Steward and Patient Care

The policy session provided guidance for doctors on how to be effective stewards of healthcare resources, with a focus on the medico-legal aspects of stewardship.

Dr Michael Gannon chaired the session as Chair of the Australian Medical Association’s Medico —Legal Committee. He was joined by Dr Sara Bird, Manager of Medico-legal and Advisory Services with MDA National; Dr Lyn Weeks AM, CEO of NPS Medicine Wise and Dr Ian Scott, Director of Internal Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology at Princess Alexander Hospital.

Presentation — Decision Assist

Prof Liz Reymond presented to the delegates on increasing the capacity of GPs to deliver quality end of life care to older Australians.

The meeting was closed for the lunch break at 1:00 PM

After lunch the delegates received a presentation from Mr James Lawler, AMSA President.

Australian Medical Students Association President Presentation

Mr Lawler presented a well-received speech to the delegates about issues such as bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and mental health from the perspective of medical students, and the future of the profession.

Policy Session 4 — General Practice training — the future in our hands

The policy session highlighted the concerns associated with the Government’s decision to close General Practice Education and Training as part of the 2014/15 Budget and the significant impacts this decision would have on GP training in the future.

Dr Danielle McMullen chair of AMA (NSW) Doctors in Training Committee chaired the session and was joined by Prof Simon Willcock, Dr Penelope Need and Dr Sally Banfield.

The session covered the following areas of concern:

• Exploration of the broader policy context, past, present and future surrounding the reforms to GP training and what this means for the future of workforce planning.

• The practical issues associated with GP training in the context of access to GP services, chronic disease management, funding for general practice and attracting the best and brightest young doctors.

• The trainee perspective on the reforms, challenges and how to consider the training provider and the experience feedback for the future doctors.

31


Presentation of the President’s Award 2015

A doctor who has devoted her life to treating and helping to prevent obstetric fistulas among impoverished women in Ethiopia has been awarded the 2015 AMA President’s Award.

Dr Catherine Hamlin, together with her husband, Dr Reg Hamlin, co-founded the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, which provides free surgery to women who have suffered obstetric fistulas and other injuries during childbirth.

Now in her nineties, Dr Hamlin continues to work at the hospital and has made an immeasurable impact on the health and well-being of women in Ethiopia, from the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistulas to training midwives in a very poor, underserved area of the world.

Dr Hamlin, together with her husband, Dr Reg Hamlin, not only faced economic challenges but also years of political and civil unrest, drought and famine in Ethiopia. Together, the Hamlins became pioneers in the modern technique of obstetric fistula surgery, treating more than 40,000 women with a 92 per cent success rate.

Today, the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital and its five regional hospitals treat obstetric fistula patients free of charge (largely from donations).

In 1983 Dr Catherine Hamlin was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her services to gynecology in developing countries and was then promoted to Companion of the Order of Australia in 1995.

She was twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and in 2001 was awarded the Centenary Medal for “long and outstanding service to international development in Africa”. Dr Hamlin has been declared one of Australia’s National Living Treasures.

Debate of Urgency Motions

The Chair of Council reminded the delegates that two motions had been accepted as urgency motions.

Urgency Motion 1

That National Conference recognises that many graduating medical students and junior doctors around Australia are currently unable to find quality training positions due to a lack of available places. National Conference condemns the Government’s decision to fund a new medical school when there is already evidence that some medical graduates will be unable to progress to full specialist qualification and that this decision will only make this problem much worse. National Conference calls on Federal Council to:



• requests that the Health Minister seeks the advice of the National Medical Training Advisory Network, as well as the AMA, AMSA, state health departments and the Department of Health as part of any process to consider any further increase in medical student numbers.



The motion was passed by the delegates.

32


Urgency Motion 2

Pursuant to existing AMA policy “The Health of Asylum Seekers 2011”.

National Conference requested Federal Council to review its policy as a matter of urgency. The review should particularly note new evidence of ongoing and permanent damage being inflicted on detainees as a consequence of the changes introduced by the Australian Government on 19 July 2013.



The motion was passed by the delegates.

Conference was closed for the day at 4:30 PM

Gala Dinner — Saturday evening

Former AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton, was awarded the AMA Gold Medal, the Association’s highest honour, in recognition of his outstanding and tireless service to the medical profession and the community.

Presenting the medal at the AMA National Conference Gala Dinner, AMA President Professor Brian Owler said Dr Hambleton had been a very prominent and active member of the health community and a dedicated member of the Australian Medical Association for more than 25 years. Dr Hambleton was elected AMA Federal President in 2011 following two years as Vice President and before that two years as President of AMA Queensland.

Prof Owler said that since leaving the AMA Presidency in 2014 Dr Hambleton has continued to be an influential figure, regularly sought out by the Government of the day to provide advice and leadership in key areas, including e-health and rural health.

Prof Owler said Dr Hambleton had consistently provided exceptional leadership and dedication to the Association over many years, most notably during a difficult period in 2013 when he effectively acted as Executive President in the absence of a Secretary General to manage the organisation.

SUNDAY 31 MAY 2015

The Conference recommenced at 9:00 AM Sunday 31 May.

Policy Session 5 — Key AMA Public Health advocacy — local and global

The session, chaired by Dr Parnis, discussed key areas of AMA Public Health advocacy, both locally and globally. Dr Parnis was joined by:

1. Mr Bruce Armstrong, CEO, Aspen Medical who presented to delegates on the West African Ebola crisis of late 2014 and the role Aspen Medical plays in managing the Ebola treatment facility in Sierra Leone.

2. Mr Duncan McConnel, President, Law Council of Australia (LCA) who discussed the shared work of the AMA and LCA to address domestic violence through supporting primary health care providers in early identification of victims and the provision of trauma-informed care; and strategies to prevent domestic violence by targeting the underlying problems of the perpetrator and the potential long-term impacts for victims.

The session also discussed the AMA’s position on climate change and the associated impacts to human health, referencing the AMA position statement on Climate Change and Human Health 2004. Revised 2008.

The conference closed at 12:40 PM.

33

5. Motion to note / accept the matters arising

Urgency Motion 1

That National Conference recognises that many graduating medical students and junior doctors around Australia are currently unable to find quality training positions due to a lack of available places. National Conference condemns the Government’s decision to fund a new medical school when there is already evidence that some medical graduates will be unable to progress to full specialist qualification and that this decision will only make this problem much worse. National Conference calls on Federal Council to:



• requests that the Health Minister seeks the advice of the National Medical Training Advisory Network, as well as the AMA, AMSA, state health departments and the Department of Health as part of any process to consider any further increase in medical student numbers



The motion was passed by the delegates of National Conference.

Outcome

The AMA has consistently argued against any further expansion of medical student numbers, including the establishment of new medical schools. AMA advocacy has focused on increasing postgraduate medical training places and addressing the maldistribution of the medical workforce. In this regard, the AMA has pursued a positive policy agenda that has promoted the establishment of a Community Residency Program for pre-vocational doctors, specific enrolment targets for medical students with a rural background, an expansion of the Commonwealth’s Specialist Training Program and the implementation of Regional Training Networks.

The 2015 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) saw the Government respond to some of the AMA’s policies, announcing funding for an additional 100 specialist training places, 240 rural GP rotations for interns and the establishment of 30 Regional Training Hubs. The National Medical Training Advisory Network (NMTAN) has completed modelling of the psychiatry workforce and has a number of other workforce studies underway. NMTAN continues to advise Government that overall medical workforce numbers are in balance and policy initiatives should focus on addressing workforce maldistribution and shortages in particular specialties.

The AMA also made submissions to a review of the Skilled Occupations List, which is used to assess independent applications for permanent residency. It is likely that a number of specialty areas will be flagged for removal from this list, recognising the improved medical workforce position and the need to focus on training domestic medical graduates.

Urgency Motion 2

Pursuant to existing AMA policy “The Health of Asylum Seekers 2011”.

National Conference requested Federal Council to review its policy as a matter of urgency. The review should particularly note new evidence of ongoing and permanent damage being inflicted on detainees as a consequence of the changes introduced by the Australian Government on 19 July 2013.



The motion was passed by the delegates of National Conference.

34

Outcome

The AMA position statement on Health Care of Asylum Seekers and Refugees was revised following the urgency motion passed at the 2015 National Conference.

The revision of the Position Statement reflected new legislative and policy changes on asylum seekers since the position statement was first released in 2011, in particular the Regional Resettlement Arrangement between Australia and PNG and the Border Force Act 2015.

The direction of the revised Position Statement focuses on the legislation and its impact on asylum seekers, refugees and treating health practitioners.

The working group overseeing the revised Position Statement focused on health and health impacts and ensured that the position statement encompassed issues relevant to the changed policy environment.

The Position Statement included sections on mothers and babies in detention centres, and refugees with disabilities, and a Background Paper with supporting evidence and references.

The revised Position Statement built on the previous position statement with additions and clarification added where necessary. No points from the previous position statement were excluded in the revised position statement.

The revised Position Statement was passed at Federal Council in November 2015.

35

Policy Session 1: Assisted Dying — Exploring Members’ Perspectives

Friday 27 May 2016, 1:45–3:45 PM

Chair Dr Michael Gannon

Session Coordinator Dr Kate Stockhausen

Assisted Dying — Exploring Members’ Perspectives

Purpose of this session

The 2016 AMA National Conference Q&A session on assisted dying is being held as part of the regular five year review of the AMA’s policy on euthanasia and physician assisted suicide as found in the Position Statement on the Role of the Medical Practitioner in End of Life Care 2007. Amended 2014 (attached below).1 The crux of the AMA’s current policy is found in paragraph 10.5 of the Position Statement as follows:

The AMA believes that medical practitioners should not be involved in interventions that have as their primary intention the ending of a person’s life.

This session will provide AMA delegates, members and other doctors (medical practitioners) with an opportunity to have an intra-professional discussion on whether or not the medical profession should be involved in assisted dying (should it become legal in Australia).

The issues raised during this session will form part of the member consultation process and will be used to inform the review.

Terminology

It is important to ensure that AMA delegates and other conference participants understand exactly how the AMA defines euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.

In accordance with the position statement, euthanasia is the act of deliberately ending the life of a patient for the purpose of ending intolerable pain and/or suffering. Physician assisted suicide is where the assistance of the doctor is intentionally directed at enabling an individual to end his or her own life. So long as a doctor acts in accordance with good medical practice, the following forms of management at the end of life do not constitute euthanasia or physician assisted suicide:

• not initiating life-prolonging measures;

• not continuing life-prolonging measures;

• the administration of treatment or other action intended to relieve symptoms which may have a secondary consequence of hastening death.2

1 The AMA has comprehensive policy on end of life care as found in the Position Statement on End of Life Care and Advance Care Planning 2014. This policy addresses issues such as advance care planning, decision-making capacity, medical futility, palliative care, carers and workforce. It does not address euthanasia or physician assisted suicide.

2 In 2015, the AMA adopted the following related resolution — That Federal Council supports nationally consistent legislation which holds that a medical practitioner responsible for the treatment or care of a patient in the final phase of a terminal illness, or a person participating in the treatment or care of the patient under a medical practitioner’s supervision, incurs no civil or criminal liability by administering or prescribing medical treatment with the intention of relieving pain or distress —

a. with the consent of the patient or the patient’s representative; andb. in good faith and without negligence; andc. in accordance with the proper professional standards; even though an incidental effect of the treatment may be to hasten the

death of the patient. A medical practitioner responsible for the treatment or care of a patient in the final phase of a terminal illness, or a person participating in

the treatment or care of the patient under the medical practitioner’s supervision is under no duty to use, or to continue to use, life sustaining measures which are of no medical benefit in treating the patient if the effect of doing so would be merely to prolong life.

36

For the purposes of this session, euthanasia and physician assisted suicide may be collectively referred to as ‘assisted dying’.

AMA policy review and member consultation

Throughout the review the AMA has employed a variety of methods to consult with members. In mid-2015, the Federal AMA held an initial consultation with AMA State and Territory offices regarding the nature of member engagement. In November 2015, AMA members were invited through Australian Medicine to submit open-ended comments on the current AMA policy — over 50 submissions were received from medical students and junior doctors, through to senior and retired doctors. Both female and male doctors were well represented, as well as a range of specialties. The range of opinions expressed in the submissions was diverse – ranging from those who strongly oppose, to those who strongly support, assisted dying.

In March 2016, a survey on assisted dying was sent to all AMA members. While survey results are currently being collated, the AMA received 3,735 responses. Members will be kept informed of the survey results which will be used to inform the review.

The next step in the consultation process is this 2016 AMA National Conference Q&A session on assisted dying.

Session format

While fully acknowledging the growing community interest in assisted dying, this Q&A session has been specifically designed to facilitate an intra-professional discussion.

Mr Tony Jones from the ABC’s Q&A program will moderate the session. The panel will include Dr Karen Hitchcock and Associate Professor Mark Yates, both medical practitioners who oppose doctors’ involvement in assisted dying. It will also include Professor Bob Douglas and Professor Malcolm Parker, both medical practitioners who support doctors’ involvement in assisted dying. Ms Georgie Haysom, from Avant, will provide medico-legal expertise on the panel.

Only doctors will be allowed to ask questions from the audience; however, others will be able to attend and observe the session. We ask that all those expressing views and opinions are treated with courtesy and respect.

Next steps in the policy review process

The AMA would like to assure all members that we have made no commitment to change, nor to retain, the current policy on assisted dying. We have heard from members opposed to assisted dying who fear our member consultation, particularly the member survey, indicates the AMA has already made a commitment to change our policy. We have heard from members who support assisted dying that the AMA has already decided to retain the current policy, and that efforts to consult the membership are not serious. Neither situation is true. We have not, and will not, pre-empt any policy decision.

What we have done is be careful and respectful of differing views and provide a variety of opportunities for members to have their say.

In addition to the member consultation, we will consider issues such as national and international views and legislative initiatives in relation to assisted dying and consult with other medical and health-related organisations within Australia.

The AMA’s Federal Council will then decide on the final policy direction and members will be kept informed of those decisions.

Please be assured that the AMA is doing its best to facilitate this process as fairly, and as transparently, as possible for our members.

37

Role of the Medical Practitioner in End of Life Care 2007 (amended 2014)*

*The Position Statement on the Role of the Medical Practitioner in End of Life Care 2007 has been superseded by the Position Statement on End of Life Care and Advance Care Planning 2014 with the exception of Section 10. Section 10 Good Medical Practice and the Relief of Pain and Suffering remains current policy until it is reviewed in the future. This section is found below.

10 Good medical practice and the relief of pain and suffering

10.1 The AMA believes that while medical practitioners have an ethical obligation to preserve life, death should be allowed to occur with dignity and comfort when death is inevitable and when treatment that might prolong life will not offer a reasonable hope of benefit or will impose an unacceptable burden on the patient.

10.2 Medical practitioners are not obliged to give, nor patients to accept, futile or burdensome treatments or those treatments that will not offer a reasonable hope of benefit or enhance quality of life.

10.3 All patients have a right to receive relief from pain and suffering, even where that may shorten their life.

10.4 While for most patients in the terminal stage of an illness, pain and other causes of suffering can be alleviated, there are some instances when satisfactory relief of suffering cannot be achieved.

10.5 The AMA recognises that there are divergent views regarding euthanasia and physician- assisted suicide.3 The AMA believes that medical practitioners should not be involved in interventions that have as their primary intention the ending of a person’s life. This does not include the discontinuation of futile treatment.

10.6 Patient requests for euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide should be fully explored by the medical practitioner in order to determine the basis for such a request. Such requests may be associated with conditions such as a depressive or other mental disorder, dementia, reduced decision-making capacity, and/or poorly controlled clinical symptoms such as pain. Understanding and addressing the reasons for such a request will allow the medical practitioner to adjust the patient’s clinical management accordingly or seek specialist assistance.

10.7 If a medical practitioner acts in accordance with good medical practice, the following forms of management at the end of life do not constitute euthanasia or physician assisted suicide:

• not initiating life-prolonging measures;

• not continuing life-prolonging measures;

• the administration of treatment or other action intended to relieve symptoms which may have a secondary consequence of hastening death.

10.8 Medical practitioners are advised to act within the law to help their patients achieve a dignified and comfortable death

Reproduction and distribution of AMA position statements is permitted provided the AMA is acknowledged and that the position statement is faithfully reproduced noting the year

at the top of the document.

1 Euthanasia is the act of deliberately ending the life of a patient for the purpose of ending intolerable pain and/or suffering. Physician assisted suicide is where the assistance of the medical practitioner is intentionally directed at enabling an individual to end his or her own life.

Australian Medical Association Limited ABN 37 008 426 793

38

Moderator

Mr Tony Jones

Tony Jones is one of the ABC’s most respected journalists, with more than 20 years’ experience in radio and television news and current affairs. He anchors Lateline on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Tony began hosting the award winning news and current affairs program, Lateline in 1999. In 2004, he received a Walkley for best ‘Broadcast Interviewing’ for a series of Lateline interviews.

Tony joined the ABC as a radio current affairs cadet working on AM, PM and The World Today. In 1985 he was seconded to Four Corners as a reporter and in 1986 joined the Dateline program on SBS. Tony returned a year later to the ABC, reporting for Four Corners where in the next three years he won a number of awards for his current affairs coverage, including a Walkley award, a Penguin Award and a Gold Medal in the New York Film and Television Festival for a story on the exploitation of Antarctica.

In 1990, he went to London as the TV current affairs correspondent, covering such stories as the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, the re-unification of Germany, the Gulf War, the war in the former Yugoslavia, the fall of Kabul in Afghanistan to the Mujahadin and the collapse of apartheid in South Africa. Tony won a Walkley Award (with Kerry O’Brien and Dugald Maudsley) for Lateline’s coverage of the end of Gorbachev’s Soviet Union.

Tony returned to Sydney in 1993 as Executive Producer of Foreign Correspondent and then from 1994–1996 was the ABC’s Washington correspondent. He returned to Foreign Correspondent in 1997 as a reporter and covered the war crimes in Bosnia, which won him a Silver Medal for best foreign coverage in the New York Film and Television Festival. In mid 1998 Tony returned to Four Corners.

Speakers

Em Prof Bob Douglas AO, MA, MB BS, MD, FRACP, FRACGP, FAFPHM

Bob Douglas retired from his post as the Foundation Director of the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the ANU, 2001. His forty-year medical career spanned work as a specialist physician in Papua New Guinea, a general practitioner in Adelaide; being Dean of the Medial School at the University of Adelaide and Chair of a Geneva based World Health Advisory Group. He was an AMA Councillor in Adelaide and led an investigation into the possible role of prepaid health plans in Australia on behalf of the Federal AMA from 1974-78. He was honoured for contributions to medicine by the award of Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2000.

Following his retirement in 2001, Bob, with five colleagues from various walks of Australian life, established a new body, Australia21, the board of which he chaired from 2001–2011. Australia21 is building networks of thinkers and researchers on some of the large challenges that face Australia and the world in the 21st Century. Australia21 tackles complex problems, such as illicit drug policy, carbon pricing, the resilience of Australian communities, the restoration of Australian ecosystems, asylum seeker policy and post traumatic stress disorder.

Bob led a project for Australia21 on “The Right to Choose an Assisted Death” in 2013, which involved the commissioning of a discussion paper on the topic by academics at the Queensland University of Technology, and a high-level roundtable of 27 experts in the field that included both opponents and advocates for voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide. The report of the roundtable argued the need for legislation on this topic in Australia.

Ms Georgie Haysom

Ms Georgie Haysom is the head of advocacy at AVANT. She has a keen interest in health law and medico-legal issues and their impact on medical practice. Ms Haysom’s experience is backed by impressive academic qualifications including a Bachelor of Science (majoring in pharmacology), a Bachelor of Laws with first class honours and a Masters of Laws specialising in bioethics. Ms Haysom has extensive experience in the provision of legal advice and has an academic interest in health policy and medical ethics.

39

Dr Karen Hitchcock

Karen is an author and doctor working in acute and general medicine at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. In her recent Quarterly Essay - Dear Life: On caring for the elderly she investigates the treatment of the elderly and dying, canvassing end-of-life-decisions, over-treatment and escalating costs. She contends our often ageist society threatens to turn the elderly into a “burden”, instead of planning for a future when more of us will be old. Karen argues we must change our institutions and society to meet the needs of an ageing population, and make life better, not shorter, for the elderly. She is also a a columnist and essayist for The Monthly magazine, is a contributor to Good Weekend magazine and sub-editor to the medicine issue of The Lifted Brow. Karen has published in both medical and literary journals, including the Best Australian Short Stories anthologies. Her first book Little White Slips won the 2010 Steele Rudd Award in the Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards and was shortlisted in the 2010 NSW Premier’s Literary Award and the Kibble Award for Women Writers.

Professor Malcolm Parker

Malcolm Parker is Professor of Medical Ethics at the University of Queensland, with qualifications in medicine, philosophy and health law. He was in general medical practice for over thirty years.

He was the inaugural Head of the Discipline of Medical Ethics, Law and Professional Practice in the School of Medicine, and coordinated the development and teaching of the School’s courses in ethics, law & professional practice in the MBBS/MD program from 1994 to 2015. He is the immediate past president of the Australasian Association of Bioethics and Health Law. Professor Parker served on committees of the Medical Board of Queensland and the Medical Board of Australia, and was a long-serving member of the Postgraduate Medical Council of Queensland. He has published nationally and internationally in philosophy of medicine, bioethics, medical ethics, health law, and medical education, including a wide range of publications concerning the end of life and assisted dying.

Associate Professor Mark Yates

Associate Professor Mark Yates is a consultant physician in geriatric medicine at Ballarat Health Services and Director Clinical Studies, Grampians Clinical School, Deakin University. He graduated at Monash University in 1986 and received his FRACP in 1994. Dr Yates is a past president of AMA Victoria during which time the Maria Korp and BWV cases came to prominence. He is a past member of AMA Care of Older Persons Committee where he assisted with the development of AMAs first position paper on Advanced Care Planning. Dr Yates has just completed a two year term as a member of the AMA Victoria Board.

He has clinical roles in the Grampians Region Cognitive Dementia and Memory Service (CDAMS) and as a Geriatrician to the Ballarat Health Services Sub-Acute Service. Dr Yates’ research activities include care and treatment of dementia and hospital system redesign.

Dr Yates is a member of the team at Ballarat Health Services that developed the Dementia Care in Hospitals Program, which with the support of the Australian Government is being rolled out nationally. This program is an all of hospitals cognitive impairment education and awareness program linked to a bedside cognitive impairment symbol. Dr Yates’ PhD will examine the impact of the Dementia Care in Hospitals Program on hospital acquired complication in patients with cognitive impairment.

Dr Yates was appointed to the Minister’s Dementia Health Priority Taskforce in August 2005. He has continued in this role as a member of the Minister’s Dementia Advisory Group. He was a member of the PBAC from March 2005 to December 2008.

40

2016 AMA Fellows

Friday 27 May 2016, 4:25–4:50 PM

1. Dr Anthony Bartone

2. Dr Michael Gannon

3. Dr Paul Mara

4. Dr Shaun Rudd

5. Dr Peter Sharley

Dr Anthony Bartone | MB BS, FRACGP, MBA

Dr Anthony Bartone graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1984 with a Bachelor of Medicine (Honours) and a Bachelor of Surgery (honours). He was admitted as a Fellow to the Royal Australian College of General Practice (RACGP) in 1990.

In 2004, Dr Bartone completed a Master of Business Administration at the Melbourne Business School where he focused on finance, innovation strategy and economics.

Dr Bartone joined the Australian Medical Association in 1986 and since then has made a significant contribution to the Association, holding multiple positions at both local and federal level.

Dr Bartone was an active committee member of the AMA Victoria Section of General Practice for a number of years and held the position of Chair from 2008–2013. He has been a member of the AMA Victoria Council since November 2008. He has served as an AMA Victoria Board Member since 2010, was Vice President from 2012–2014 and he currently holds the position of President. Dr Bartone has been a member of the AMA Victoria Finance & Audit Committee since 2011.

In 2008, Dr Bartone became a member of the AMA Council of General Practice (AMACGP) and in 2010 as part of the AMACGP Executive, a position that he continues to occupy. He has been a member of AMA Federal Council since May 2012 and he was the AMA Victoria nominee to the AMA Ltd Board from 2014-2015. Dr Bartone has held positions on the AMA Economics & Workforce Committee, the AMA Therapeutic Committee, the AMA Committee for Healthy Ageing and the AMA Finance Committee.

In addition to his significant contributions to the Australian Medical Association, Dr Bartone has been the AMA nominee to the Victorian Medical Benevolent Association (VMBA) since 2013 and he is its current Vice President. He is also the AMA Victoria nominee to Cancer Council Victoria and represented AMA Victoria on the Victorian Doctors Health Program (VDHP). Dr Bartone was a member of the General Practitioners Recognition Appeals Committee (GPRAC) from 2011–2013 and he is a current member of the Immunisation Strategy Group.

Dr Bartone represents AMA Victoria on a number of public health committees and advisory groups. He is currently a member of the Victorian Premier’s Ice Action Taskforce Specialist Workforce Advisory Committee, the Victorian Government Violence in Healthcare Taskforce, the Victorian Community Naloxone Provision Advisory Group, the Victorian Advisory Group on Implementation of the Advance Care Planning Strategy 2014–18, the Victorian Law Reform Commission: Medicinal Cannabis Advisory Committee and the Post Graduate Council Victoria (PMCV) Welfare Interest Group.

Dr Bartone has 32 yearsexperience in General Practice in both private and community health. As a long-time supporter and active member of the Association and through his various roles, he has made an outstanding contribution to the Australian Medical Association.

41

Dr Michael Bryant Gannon | MB BS (WA), MRCPI, FRANZCOG

Dr Gannon graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1995 and joined the AMA in January of that year. He was an Intern and Resident Medical Officer at Royal Perth Hospital. He worked as a General Practitioner in rural Western Australia before commencing training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at King Edward Memorial Hospital in 1999.

Dr Gannon was Assistant Master of the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin in 2004-2005 and then Senior Specialist Registrar in Urogynaecology at St Mary’s Hospital in London in 2006.

Dr Gannon was admitted as a Member of the Royal College of Physicians Ireland in 2004 and subsequently as a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2006. Since 2012, Dr Gannon has been Head of Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology at St John of God Hospital Subiaco. He has a special interest in Medical Problems in Pregnancy and Perinatal Loss.

He is Obstetric Lead of the Perinatal Loss Service at King Edward Memorial Hospital. He is the RANZCOG Representative on the State Perinatal & Infant Mortality Committee. He holds appointments at St John of God Hospital Subiaco, St John of God Hospital Mt Lawley and Osborne Park Hospital. Dr Gannon is a Clinical Lecturer in the School of Women’s and Infants’ Health at the University of Western Australia and the School of Medicine of University of Notre Dame Australia. He is a Member of the Cases Committee of MDA National.

Dr Gannon has been an outstanding contributor to the Australian Medical Association over many years. Dr Gannon was AMSA President in 1993-1994 and sat on Federal Council as the AMSA representative. He joined the Doctors-in-Training Committee in 1995 and was elected as its representative to AMA (WA) Council in 1997. He was also nominated as the state representative to the Federal AMA Doctors-in-Training Committee. He was the local Junior Doctors’ spokesperson for the AMA’s national Safe Hours campaign, which was subsequently adopted by all the teaching hospitals in the state. He served two terms as Chairman of the Council of Doctors-in-Training Committee.

On completion of his post graduate training and Fellowship, Dr Gannon established his private practice and was re-elected to AMA (WA) Council. He subsequently was elected as the Craft Group Chairman representing Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. It was during this period that he became heavily involved in AMA representations to Government over Maternity Services reform. His leadership and robust representation contributed to the state government reconsidering its policy position on Maternity Services reform. He was elected AMA (WA) Vice President in 2011 and President in 2014. He is currently a Federal Councillor and also holds the position of Chairman of the AMA Ethics & Medico-Legal Committee and is leading the Committee to develop new, and revise existing, policy on ethical and medico-legal issues.

A central tenet of Dr Gannon’s State Presidency is the inviolability of the doctor-patient relationship and the obligation of the profession to stand against anything which might undermine that relationship. He has led the campaign against a third medical school, and argued vigorously for a robust rational approach, through a serious expansion in the ‘training pipeline’ and the capacity of the health system to not only train the huge number of medical students now graduating, but to maintain the very high standards that the community expects and enjoys. He has worked to ensure that the new hospital infrastructure coming on stream meets all the operational service, professional and industrial standards.

Dr Gannon is an advocate on a range of public health issues, such as continuing the fight against tobacco, improving health literacy, and urging State and Federal governments to promote maternal vaccination and adopt a consistent approach to ensure children are vaccinated.

Dr Paul Mara | MB BS, FRACGP, FACRRM, DipRACOG

Dr Mara is a prominent rural generalist practitioner from Gundagai, NSW, where he has practised with his wife, Dr Virginia Wrice, for over 33 years. He has advanced training in obstetrics, anaesthetics and accident and emergency medicine. He was a central figure behind the formation of the Rural Doctors Association of NSW, and has been closely involved in the RDANSW and RDAA for many years, including as the long-serving Secretary of RDANSW, and Founding Executive Member and Inaugural Vice President of RDAA. Dr Mara was elected President of the RDAA in 2010.

42

Dr Mara has dedicated much time and effort to industrial issues affecting rural doctors. He played a leading role in the 1987 NSW Rural Doctors Dispute, and the subsequent negotiation of the NSW Rural Doctors Settlement Package that set the benchmark for terms and conditions for rural doctors working as VMOs in NSW hospitals. He was the first Director of General Practice at the Federal AMA and in 1992, at a time of significant political interest in general practice, co-authored the document General Practice a Strategy for the Nineties and Beyond. Dr Mara was then a key participant in negotiating the establishment of Divisions of General Practice, vocational registration and general practice training reforms and practice enhancement grants (precursors to the current Practice Incentives Program).

He undertook a number of consultancies during the 1990s and early 2000s, including a nationwide consultancy to support general practitioners establishing Divisions of General Practice; trials of a system of accreditation in 500 practices nationwide; a review of medical workforce, education and training in rural and remote areas with Dr Michael Jones and Dr Ross Vining; a review of general practitioner use of pathology services; and a review of the Rural Undergraduate Steering Committee (RUSC) Program with Professor John Humphreys.

Dr Mara project managed and co-authored with Professor Humphreys the landmark RDAA Viable Models of Rural and Remote Practice Project that established benchmarks and a framework for sustainable practice in rural and remote areas.

Dr Mara is the founder and Managing Director of GPA Accreditation plus, which currently accredits 2000 rural, remote and city practices nationwide providing assurance to the Australian public that these general practices meet strict college standards. Dr Mara and the other QPA Directors have established the Rural and Remote Health and Medical Infrastructure Trust, to support the development of practice infrastructure in rural communities.

He was awarded the ACRRM/RDAA Peter Graham “Cohuna” Award and the RDANSW Bowman Cutter Award for services to rural medicine and his community in 2015 and was appointed Member of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2016.

Dr Mara has had a profound influence on general practice and especially rural practice over several decades. He and his wife have mentored and supported many medical students, GP Registrars and International Medical Graduates for decades. His contribution to the profession, the welfare of his patients and colleagues is exemplary.

Dr Shaun Rudd | MB BCh, BAO (Belfast)

Dr Shaun Rudd is a Hervey Bay based General Practitioner who served as AMA Queensland President from 2014-2015. Dr Rudd completed his medical degree at Queens University Belfast in 1978 and moved to Australia in 1987. A longstanding AMA member, he has served on the AMA Queensland Council since 2003, supporting valuable initiatives, projects and campaigns at both the state and national level.

Dr Rudd’s contributions to the profession stem from a true belief in the importance of collegiality. He fought strongly in 2014 to protect working conditions and doctors’ rights during the implementation of individual contracts for Queensland Senior Medical Officers. Serving a key role in the negotiation process, Dr Rudd worked diligently to represent the interests of members, often taking the time to speak with individual members about their thoughts and concerns. He worked alongside the then Federal AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton to secure a fairer contract - an accomplishment that underpinned the important role and influence AMA has across the country.

As AMA Queensland President, Dr Rudd championed numerous campaigns aimed at promoting health, particularly throughout regional Queensland. Of note, he focused on addressing the obesity crisis through education initiatives, media campaigns, and regional tours.

He also successfully established relationships with a number of health organisations such as Parenting, Eating, & Activity for Child Health (PEACH), an organisation dedicated to supporting families to be healthier and more active together.

As a prolific media spokesperson, Dr Rudd brought a number of critical policy issues to the forefront.

forefront.In

43

In particular, he strongly advocated against the implementation of the flawed co-payment proposed in the 2014 budget, frequently speaking to the media, participating in rallies, and ensuring members were abreast of AMA’s concerns and work in the area.

Following the death of boxer Braydon Smith in March 2015, Dr Rudd garnered national attention by renewing calls for boxing to be banned in Australia, setting the agenda for a broader discussion on combat sports. These calls went beyond Queensland, with Dr Rudd speaking to media across the country.

Dr Rudd is committed to ensuring the next generation of doctors has the skills, support, and mentorship necessary to thrive in the challenging field of medicine.

From 1989-2015 he played an active role in medical student teaching and mentoring, working with medical students from five different universities in Victoria and Queensland. Additionally, Dr Rudd has spoken at numerous graduation, intern, and medical society events, highlighting the important role AMA serves in supporting young doctors.

Dr Rudd has epitomised the most positive traits of a medical professional throughout his career and time in medicine. By engaging members and the public at the community level, he has been a true ambassador for the AMA, the medical profession, and general practice. Whether speaking at an industry-related conference, meeting members from around the country, discussing health and nutrition at a local community centre, or highlighting the importance of exercise with a friendly football match, Dr Rudd has diligently upheld the values of the profession.

Dr Peter Hamilton Sharley | OAM, MB BS (Adel), Dip Obs RACOG, PG Dip Av Med, PG Cert AME, Dip Bus Mgt, GAICD, FANZCA, FCICM

Dr Peter Sharley graduated MB BS from the University of Adelaide in 1985. He is a specialist intensivist and specialist anaesthetist. He has been a senior staff specialist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Departments since 1993, and is a visiting specialist in intensive care at Alice Springs Hospital and Noosa Hospital. He was RAH ICU deputy director for over 7 years and Director of the Critical Care Retrieval Service for 5 Years.

Dr Sharley is a senior clinical lecturer with the University of Adelaide (since 2007), and is a RAH Supervisor of Training for the College of Intensive Care Medicine (since 2010). He was the SA Regional Chair of the College of Intensive Care Medicine from September 2009–September 2015.

Dr Sharley has held key roles with the National Organ and Tissue Authority (Hospital Medical Director) and Mediflight Australia critical care retrieval service, and RAH Mediflight (Chief Medical Consultant, and Director). He was awarded an OAM in 2003 for the provision of medical assistance to victims of the bombings which occurred in Bali in 2002.

Dr Sharley joined the AMA(SA) State Council in May 2007, as Salaried Medical Officers’ Representative. Peter’s energy, capability and commitment subsequently saw him elected to the role of Honorary Treasurer on the AMA(SA) State Council in 2008, and re-elected in 2010. In this role he led the AMA(SA) Finance Committee, with a focus on growing membership and maintaining and improving services to members.

Dr Sharley was subsequently elected to the role of AMA(SA) President in May 2011 (to May 2013). At this time, he also became the AMA(SA) Branch Nominee to the Federal Council of the AMA. In all his roles, Peter was a steadfastly reliable contributor at Council meetings, which he missed only extremely rarely, and an energetic and committed contributor outside of meetings.

Since joining the AMA(SA) Council, Dr Sharley has given countless hours of time in service of the AMA, at state and federal levels. He has done this because of his interest in making a difference. His passion, energy and dedication meant that his commitments to the AMA expanded and increased over time, both within and outside the organisation.

Dr Sharley completed many projects as President. Working with the CEO and others he reformed the AMA(SA) Constitution and formed the AMA(SA) Executive Board, as part of a new structure for the organisation to enable the State Council to focus on policy and advocacy and the Board to

forefront.In

44

provide strategic, operational leadership for the Association. It was particularly important to Dr Sharley to support the advocacy of the AMA(SA)’s Regional Representatives in Council meetings.

Dr Sharley took up the role of AMA(SA) President at a challenging time, with members concerned about a number of key elements in the new Royal Adelaide Hospital and the relocation of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. As President Dr Sharley brought greater attention and scrutiny to these major project. He played a key role in AMA(SA) negotiations on behalf of rural general practitioners to provide services to country hospitals, including after his presidency, and up to recent times.

His sense of community and collegiality is also reflected in his longstanding involvement in the Adelaide University Football Club, of which he has been club doctor and vice president since 2010.

Dr Sharley continues to contribute to the AMA as a member of the Board of Australian Medical Association Limited, Doctors Health Services Pty Ltd and Chair of the SA Post Graduate Medical Education Association (SAPMEA).

45

2016 Awards Presented at the President’s Welcome Reception

Friday 27 May 2016, 5:20–6:30PM

Presented by

Professor Brian Owler, AMA President

Dirty Ashtray and ACOSH/AMA Scoreboard Awards

Year Dirty Ashtray Dirty Ashtray Runner Up

Best Performer

2015 SA VIC AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT

2014 VIC SA ACT & TAS

2013 VIC & QLD NT AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT & TAS

2012 VIC QLD SA

2011 BIG TOBACCO QLD AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT & WA

2010 SA NT NSW & WA

2009 SA NT & TAS VIC

2008 NT ACT QLD & WA

2007 NT ACT WA

2006 NT ACT QLD & WA

2005 ACT NT QLD & TAS

2004 TAS NSW & VIC NT

2003 QLD TAS NT

2002 NT QLD VIC

46

2001 NT SA TAS

2000 NT QLD WA

1999 QLD & NT VIC ACT

1998 QLD NT TAS

1997 QLD NSW ACT

1996 QLD TAS ACT

1995 NT & TAS QLD WA

1994 NT QLD WA

Woman in Medicine Award

The recipient of this award will be a female member of the AMA who has made a major contribution to the medical profession by:

1. Showing ongoing commitment to quality care, and/or

2. Contributing to medical research within Australia, and/or

3. Initiation and involvement in public health projects, and/or

4. Improving the availability and accessibility of medical education and medical training for women, and/or

5. Contributing to medical politics.

Previous Winners

2015 Dr Joanna Flynn AM

2014 Professor Kate Leslie

2011 Dr Barbara Bauert

2005 Dr Ngaire Brown

2004 Dr Gabrielle Casper

2003 Dr Elizabeth Jane

2002 Dr Deborah Colville

2001 Dr Patricia Mackay

2000 Professor Joan Lawrence

1999 Professor Tess Cramond

1998 Professor Priscilla Kincaid-Smith

47

Excellence in Healthcare Award

The AMA Excellence in Healthcare Award is for an individual, not necessarily a doctor or AMA member, who has made a significant contribution to improving health or health care in Australia. The person may be involved in health awareness, health policy or health delivery.

The recipient of this award will be an individual who has made a major contribution to health care in Australia in one or more of the following criteria:

• Showing ongoing commitment to quality health and medical care; and/or

• Contributing to medical research within Australia; and/or

• Initiation and involvement in public health projects or health awareness campaigns; and/or

• Improving the availability and accessibility of medical education and medical training; and/or

• Advancing health and medical issues in the political arena; and/or

• Promoting awareness of the impact of social and economic issues on health; and/or

• Contributing to community needs as a health care provider; and/or

• Improving health care services in any field.

Nominations for this award can be submitted by any member of the community.

Previous Winners

2015 Associate Professor Smita Shah 2014 Dr Mehdi Sanati Pour

2011 Dr Mark Wenitong 2010 Professor Guy Maddern

2009 Dr Peter Sharpe 2008 Dr Nigel Stewart

2007 Professor Michael Kidd 2006 Professor Creswell J. Eastman

AMA Media Awards (State and Federal)

This year the Federal AMA will present four ‘media awards’ to recognise excellence in the areas of public health campaigns, publications, lobbying initiatives and websites. These awards are keenly contested and independently judged.

Best Public Health Campaign

State AMAs were asked to submit entries for the best public health or preventive health campaign.

Judging Criteria:

• relevance of campaign,

• quality and clarity of message,

• range and quality of campaign material,

• coverage of campaign, and

• effectiveness of campaign.

Previous Winners

2015 Queensland — Obesity Campaign

2014 New South Wales — Alcohol-related Violence

2013 New South Wales — Kids Don’t Fly

2012 New South Wales — Preventable Child deaths and injuries campaigns

2011 Western Australia — Anti-smoking campaign

48

2010 Western Australia — Good

Health — Great Future

2009 New South Wales — Protecting Children from Tobacco

AMA Western Australia — Smoke Free Dining

2008 Australian Capital Territory — Art In, Butt Out

2007 Western Australia — Dr Yes & Queensland — Kidz GP Campaign

2006 Queensland — Kidz GP Campaign 2005 Queensland — Kidz GP Campaign

2004 New South Wales — The fight to rid NSW pubs and clubs of smoke

2003 Queensland — Rural Health week 2002, Western Australia — Unemployment: the forgotten illness program

2002 Western Australia — Dr Yes, Doctor youth education sessions

2001 Western Australia — Youth Friendly Doctor Campaign

2000 New South Wales — Medicinal Use of Cannabis

1999 South Australia — Road Trauma Awareness Campaign

1998 Western Australia — Aboriginal health resource for GPs

1997 Western Australia — Campaign serving the WA community by supporting doctors in the bush

1996 New South Wales — Anna Wood Drug and Alcohol Education Project

1995 Western Australia — Employment and Health Strategy

1994 Victoria — Summit of Youth Smoking 1993 Queensland — Family Doctor Week

Best Lobby Campaign

State and Territory AMAs were invited to submit an entry for the “Best Lobby Campaign” Award. The lobbying campaign should be one that has been directed at any level of government (local, State or Federal).

Judging Criteria:

• objectives,

• strategy,

• materials,

• tactics, and

• results.

Previous Winners

2015 New South Waes — NSW State Election

2014 South Australia — Co-location of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital with the new Royal Adelaide Hospital

2013 Victoria — Violence and Security in Hospitals

2012 Western Australian — Four our rural campaign

2011 Western Australia —Against the odds campaign

2010 Victoria — War on Red Tape 2009 Western Australia — Remuneration Review

2008 Western Australia — Remuneration Review

2007 Victoria — Remuneration Review 2006

2006 South Australia — Election priorities for health 2006 & beyond

2005 Western Australia — Passive Smoking Campaign

49

2004 Queensland — 2004 QLD State Election

2003 New South Wales — 2003 NSW State Election

2002 New South Wales — Upgrade of hospital security campaign

2001 Western Australia — Metropolitan Health Service Board Project

2000 Western Australia — AMA (WA) Police Service Medical Identification card

1999 New South Wales — campaign dealing with the indemnity insurance crisis

1998 Not awarded 1997 Western Australia — Gun law reform project

1996 Northern Territory — Campaign for a trial methadone program, pain clinic and review of drug rehabilitation services

1995 Victoria – Campaign on casemix funding

1994 Western Australia — Project to modify legislation on workers’ compensation

1993 Western Australia — Smoking and Health Campaign

Best State Publication

State and Territory AMAs are invited to submit an entry for the “Best State Publication” Award.

Judging Criteria:

• quality and consistency,

• range of information,

• relevance & appeal, and

• feature stories.

Previous Winners

2015 Victoria - VicDoc

2014 New South Wales — NSW Doctor 2013 South Australia — MedicSA

2012 South Australia — Medic SA 2011 Australian Capital Territory — Canberra Doctor

2010 New South Wales — NSW Doctor & South Australia — Medic SA

2009 New South Wales — NSW Doctor

2008 Queensland — Doctor Q 2007 Australian Capital Territory — Canberra Doctor

2006 Queensland — Doctor Q 2005 Western Australia — Medicus

2004 New South Wales — The NSW Doctor

2003 Western Australia — Medicus

2002 Victoria — VicDoc 2001 South Australia — SA Medical Review

2000 South Australia — SA Medical Review

1999 Queensland — AMAQ

1998 Australian Capital Territory — Canberra Doctor

1997 South Australia — SA Medical Review

1996 Western Australia — Medicus 1995 South Australia — SA Medical Review

1994 South Australia — SA Medical Review 1993 Western Australia — Medicus

50

Best Innovative use of Website or New MediaState and Territory AMAs are invited to submit an entry for the “Most Innovative Use of Website or New Media” Award.

With new forms of media - Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, email campaigns — complementing websites, we want to recognise and award innovative approaches to getting the AMA message to members and the public. It could be clever use of the existing website or it could be smart use of the new media tools.

Judging Criteria:

• clarity of message,

• range of information,

• timeliness of information,

• audience reach,

• impact with membership,

• impact in the news media.

Previous Winners

2015 Western Australia — Part-time Doctor Portal

2014 Queensland — AMAQ website — Health Vision Blog

2013 Victoria for creative use with Twitter

2012 New South Wales

2011 Queensland — Find A Doctor website and iPhone application

2010 Queensland

2009 Western Australia



2006 Queensland (with an honourable mention for Northern Territory)

2005 Queensland

2004 New South Wales



National Advocacy AwardState and Territory AMAs were invited to submit an entry for the “National Advocacy” Award for the best example of cooperation between the Federal AMA and the State/Territory AMAs on a major issue.

Judging Criteria:

• quality and clarity of message,

• strategy and tactics,

• coverage of campaign, and

• effectiveness of campaign.

Previous Winners

2015 AMA Victoria — Stop the co-payment #StopTheCoP

2014 Western Australia — Campaign against Curtin University Medical School

51

AMA DOCTOR IN TRAINING OF THE YEAR AWARD Presented at AMA Leadership Development Dinner

Friday 27 May 2016, 7:30–11:00PM

Presented by

Dr Danika Thiemt, Chair, Council of Doctors in Training

This year the AMA is introducing an AMA Doctor in Training of the Year Award to celebrate the accomplishments of a doctor in training in leadership and advocacy. It will be awarded at the AMA Leadership Development Dinner.

The AMA is committed to fostering the next generation of Australia’s medical leaders. This award recognises outstanding achievement in leadership and advocacy and encourages further development of leadership skills. The award recipient will be given a place in the AMA Future Leaders Program.

This prestigious award will be awarded to a doctor in training who has made an outstanding contribution to leadership and advocacy in one or more of the following areas:

• quality of care,

• medical research,

• teaching and education,

• public health,

• doctor’s wellbeing,

• community service,

• humanitarian issues, and

• philanthropy to a cause.

SATURDAY

52

Saturday Agenda

Saturday 28 May 2016

7:30–8:30 AM Federal and State Boards’ BreakfastMurray & Fitzroy Rooms, National Convention Centre

9:00–10:00 AM Session 2: Medical Self-regulation — Diagnosis, Prognosis and TreatmentChair: A/Prof Susan Neuhaus

10:00–10:15 AM AMSA President presentation Ms Elise Buisson


10:45 AM–12:15 PM Session 3: Health Policy in an Election YearFacilitator: Mr Paul Bongiorno Chair: Dr Stephen Parnis

12:15–1:15 PM Lunch

1:15–2:15 PM Session 4: The Role of Private Health Insurance in the Australian Health Care SystemModerator: Prof Brian Owler

2:15–2:20 PM Sponsor’s Presentation: Palliative CareDr Karen Detering

2:20–3:15 PM Session 5: The Medical Profession’s Role in Closing the Gap Facilitator: Ms Brooke Boney Chair: Prof Brian Owler

3:15–3:30 PM Afternoon tea

3:30–5:00 PM Session 6: Bullying and Harassment — Changing CultureChair: Dr Danika Thiemt

5:00–5:30 PM Debate of Urgency Motions

7:30–11:00 PM Gala DinnerGuest Speaker: The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for HealthPresident’s Award Presentation(Old Parliament House tour starts at 7:00PM)

53

Policy Session 2: Medical Self-regulation — Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment

Saturday 28 May 2016, 9:00–10:00 AM

Chair A/Professor Susan Neuhaus

Session Coordinator Mr Alex White

Through years of training and ongoing professional development medical practitioners are given considerable professional autonomy and high regard as a profession. Yet we all still know a medical practitioner who we wouldn’t refer a family member to, or whose practice we believe falls below accepted standards. How better as a profession do we identify deteriorating performance before it potentially results in malpractice?

In this session delegates will consider how the social contract between medical practitioners and patients can be improved through different mechanisms of self-regulation at individual and organisational levels. Delegates will benefit from the expertise of A/Prof Susan Neuhaus, Dr Joanna Flynn, Chair of the Medical Board of Australia, and A/Prof Matthew Thomas, a leading scientist in the field of Human Factors and safety management in high risk work environments based at Central Queensland University.

Background

Medical practitioners are given considerable professional autonomy, respect, social prestige and financial reward. They are highly regarded as a profession, with 84 per cent of Australians aged 14 and over rating medical practitioners as ethical and honest in 20151. This regard is earned through years of rigorous training and because the public has faith in the regulatory system: faith that medical practitioners will provide the highest quality of care and have the patient’s best interests at the core.

This ‘arrangement’ is the essence of the social contract between the profession and society. But it is an arrangement that does not end once a medical practitioner has completed their training and signed off on their CPD for the year.

As a profession medical practitioners have a responsibility to reflect on their own practice and that of their peers to preserve the integrity of this social contract. This session will explore the nature of this social contract and how better self-regulation can strengthen the profession through improved levels of transparency and accountability.

Of particular focus will be how medical practitioners can identify deteriorating performance amongst their peers before it potentially leads to malpractice. 2 The session will also review the evidence base for self and peer reflection and emerging models of performance and outcome reporting, monitoring and improvement.

There are significant risks in not getting this right. If the medical profession cannot demonstrate to society that it can effectively self-regulate then patients will be impacted, leading to greater imposed regulation, revalidation, and an impact on medical practitioners’ standing.

In Australia, we have a regulatory model which provides a multifaceted approach to assessing an individual’s fitness to practice, providing safe systems for them to work in and responding when harm has been caused or behaviour is sub-standard. However, there is considerable scope to identify variant and outlier outcomes at a sub-regulatory level and provide effective intervention to improve patient (and practitioner) outcomes.

1 Roy Morgan Image of Professions Survey 20152 DeAngelis CD. Conflict of interest and the public trust. JAMA. 2000; 284:2237– 2238

54

Acting in concert with his or her peers, each medical practitioner contributes to defining the expectations or standards of the profession as a whole, modelling those behaviours and maintaining the core cultural values of our profession.

Self-regulation goes beyond the updating of knowledge and skills, and asks of us to assess our own level of practice as well as others in both technical and non-technical domains. Non-technical skills, otherwise known as reflective practice, entails self-judgment (assessment) and self-reaction (adjustment). But what does this look like in reality and what data and systems exist to facilitate the process?

The ‘self-regulation’ conversation presents the opportunity for the profession to reassess its commitment to continuous performance improvement, addressing risk behaviours and practices and demonstrating our commitment to the highest level of quality care to Australian society.

The AMA has an opportunity to continue to provide leadership in this very important area.

SpeakersDr Joanna Flynn AM, MBBS, MPH, HonDMedSc, FRACGP

Dr Joanna Flynn AM is a general practitioner who has been involved in medical regulation for more than 25 years.

She is the Chair of the Medical Board of Australia holding this position since national registration was introduced in 2010. Prior to the National Scheme, Dr Flynn was the youngest person appointed to the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria in 1989, and was the first female President for both that Board and the Australian Medical Council.

She is the Chair of the Board of Eastern Health, one of Melbourne’s largest metropolitan public hospitals and a board member of Ambulance Victoria.

Dr Flynn chaired the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria and has held various positions with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. In 2012, she was appointed Chair of the Independent Advisory Council for the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR).

In 2015 she was a member of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ Expert Advisory Group into Discrimination, Bullying and Sexual Harassment and of the Australian Health Minister’s Advisory Council’s Expert Advisory Panel for the Review of Medical Intern Training.

Dr Flynn was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to medical administration and the community. In 2012 the University of Melbourne conferred on her an Honorary Doctorate of Medical Science and in 2015 she received the Woman in Medicine award from the Australian Medical Association.

Associate Professor Matthew Thomas

Associate Professor Matthew Thomas is one of Australia’s leading Human Factor experts. He is Deputy Director of the Appleton Institute, and Chair of the Council of the Australian Patient Safety Foundation. His areas of expertise focus on human error, non-technical skills, and the design of error tolerant systems. He has an established consultancy and publication record in these areas and is currently involved in a range of projects with industry partners in aviation, healthcare, and rail.

55

Policy session 3: Health Policy in an Election Year

Saturday 28 May 2016, 10:45 AM–12:15 PM

ChairDr Stephen Parnis, AMA Vice President

Session CoordinatorMr John Flannery

As we reach the halfway mark of the 2016 Federal Election campaign, AMA National Conference this year features a panel of Australia’s most respected political journalists from the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery to share their unique insider views of the battle to form the next Government.

Moderated by veteran political commentator, Paul Bongiorno AM, the panel includes The Australian Financial Review’s Political Editor, Laura Tingle; News Ltd National Health Correspondent, Sue Dunlevy; Federal Political Editor for The West Australian, Andrew Probyn; and National Political Editor for news.com.au, Malcolm Farr.

The moderator and panellists boast a range of media engagements over decades, including ABC TV’s Insiders, Network TEN’s long-running Meet The Press, national and State newspapers, ABC and commercial radio and television programs, and have strong followings in social media, including Twitter.

FacilitatorMr Paul Bongiorno AM

Paul Bongiorno AM is Network Ten’s Contributing Editor, a position he has held since he resigned as National Affairs Editor in 2014. Previously, he was the Network’s Canberra Bureau Chief and Political Editor for 20 years.

He is a regular commentator on ABC Radio National Breakfast, and a columnist for The Saturday Paper and The New Daily. His musings also appear in The Canberra Weekly. For 17 years, he was executive producer and host of the weekly political program, Meet The Press.

Paul came to the Bureau in December 1987 from Channel Ten, Brisbane. In Brisbane, he covered State politics and established a reputation as an investigative journalist, winning four national Walkley Awards.

In 1987, Paul was also Queensland correspondent for The Bulletin magazine.

Paul has been in television journalism since 1974. He started out with the Seven Network in Melbourne, and did a stint at WIN TV in Wollongong.

He has a Master’s Degree in Theology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome.

SpeakersMs Sue Dunlevy

Veteran health reporter, Sue Dunlevy has covered 11 Health Ministers and 13 AMA Presidents. She’s seen one AMA leader sue the Health Minister, and another propose separate waiting rooms for rich and poor patients so the wealthy could pay a higher fee to jump the queue.

For nearly three decades, Sue covered Medicare co-payments and hospital queues, pharmacy profits, and private health insurance premium rises.

Sue is the National Health Correspondent for seven newspapers, including The Daily Telegraph and the Herald Sun, and online news service, news.com.au.

news.com.au

news.com.au

56

Mr Malcolm Farr

Malcolm Farr is national political editor at news.com.au, Australia’s most popular online news site. He has worked for a number of newspapers including the Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mirror, and The Australian.

He regularly appears on the political current affairs program, Insiders, on ABC TV, and has served as President of the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Mr Andrew Probyn

Andrew Probyn has been the Federal political editor and Canberra bureau chief for The West Australian since 2005.

He has spent almost 15 years in the Federal Press Gallery, first with The Herald Sun.

Andrew also spent two years working for the ABC in Tasmania as State political reporter. He was the winner of the Press Gallery Journalist of the Year Award in 2015, along with colleague Nick Butterly.

Andrew won the Melbourne Press Club’s Gold Quill award in 2001, and is a three-time winner of the Matt Price best columnist prize at the WA Media Awards.

Ms Laura Tingle

The Australian Financial Review Political Editor, Laura Tingle, has spent most of her 35-year career covering Federal politics, writing on both economics and politics for The Australian, The Age, the Sydney Morning Herald and the AFR.

She is the author of Chasing the Future — a book about the recession of the early 1990s — and two Quarterly Essays: Great Expectations: Government, entitlement and an Angry Nation (2012) and Political Amnesia: How we forgot how to govern (2015).

She has won two Walkley Awards and the Paul Lyneham Award for Press Gallery Journalism.

news.com.au

57

Policy Session 4: The Role of Private Health Insurance in the Australian Health Care System

Saturday 28 May 2016, 1:15–2:15 PM

Moderator


Session Coordinator

Ms Ester Mijoc

In a year where the Government is undertaking or considering at least 10 health reviews, it is no surprise that private health insurance is under the spotlight. With consumers increasingly confused by what their policy offers and increasingly frustrated by significant premium increases each year, many are asking what value their cover actually provides.

In February this year the AMA released its first Private Health Insurance Report Card. Intended to be an annual activity, the report provides consumers with clear, simple information about how health insurance really works.

Its release was especially timely, with the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman reporting the highest number of complaints than in any previous year. We have also seen novel approaches by health insurers to address safety and quality issues in the private sector. Some insurers are offering hospital contracts with non-payment for preventable adverse events: a practice that in some form will be replicated between the Commonwealth and the states and territories in their agreement for funding public hospitals. This session will allow delegates to hear from both the health insurer and hospital’s standpoints, including the reasons behind the decisions made and where they see this going in the future.

Prof Brian Owler, AMA President, will provide a brief overview of what medical practitioners experience on a daily basis when treating privately insured patients, and how this affects their patients.

Dr Linda Swan, Chief Medical Officer for Medibank Private, will present a perspective on the future of private health insurance.

Prof John Horvath AO, Strategic Medical Advisor for Ramsay Health Care, will examine how the private hospitals are dealing with the private health insurers attitudes whilst ensuring the quality of services are maintained.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to engage in other areas of policy impacting their practice. With the MBS Review not providing any scope for new technologies to be investigated and leaving the Medical Services Advisory Committee pathway as the only avenue for considering emerging technologies (by way of a very drawn-out process), we are finding more new technologies are being covered by the hospitals. People with private health insurance, especially those with top health cover, expect their policy to include new technologies, which is rarely the case, resorting in pressure for hospitals to offer more equitable health technology.

Are health insurers meeting the needs of consumers? What we know is that consumers of private health insurance don’t actually understand what they are covered for,thus creating inefficiencies in the health system whereby the hospitals are having to check whether the patients are covered and adjust their bookings accordingly. Patients are then either left with unexpected out-of- pocket costs or having to wait for their treatment.

While private health insurers continue to look at new ways to manage costs, the fine balance between the private and public systems cannot be overlooked. The public system relies on a strong and innovative private health system. The private system is at risk if people choose to be uninsured, or underinsured if premiums increase, which causes a real threat of additional pressure being placed on public hospitals already struggling to meet ever growing demand.

58

SpeakersDr Linda Swan

As the Chief Medical Officer for Medibank Private, Linda is focused on improving the health outcomes and patient experience for their 3.8 million members, as well as finding ways to keep the cost of heathcare affordable for all members. As the largest Private Health Insurer in Australia, Medibank is uniquely poisoned to drive healthcare reform that will benefit not only their members but all Australians.

Dr Swan is a registered medical practitioner with broad commercial and business experience across the health sector including in general practice, clinical research, the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, population health and health policy.

Prior to joining Medibank, Dr Swan was the Managing Director for Healthways Australia — a global population health company specialising in behaviour change programs to improve health and lower healthcare costs.

Professor John Horvath AO

Professor John Horvath AO is Ramsay Health Care’s Strategic Medical Advisor.

Professor Horvath served as Australia’s Chief Medical Officer between 2003 and 2009 and has served as Chair of the Health Committee on the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the NSW Medical Registration Board and the Australian Medical Council (AMC). He has been a board member of the Garvan Institute, Health Workforce Australia and Crown Resorts Ltd (ongoing), and most recently served as Principal Medical Consultant to the Department of Health and Ageing from 2009 till recently.

Before joining the Department of Health, Professor Horvath’s career included 30 years in clinical practice at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital where he established a number of clinical services and as Director of the Renal and Transplant Services. He has been active in teaching and research; policy development and implementation of national strategies on behalf of governments.

He has represented Australia’s interest with the World Health Organisation and was Deputy Chair of the WHO’s international cancer research institute based in Lyon, France. He was awarded an Officer in the Order of Australia in 2001.

59

Policy Session 5: The Medical Profession’s Role in Closing the Gap

Saturday 28 May 2016, 2:20–3:15 PM

ChairProfessor Brian Owler

Session CoordinatorMr Alex White

For many years now the AMA has played a leadership role in developing policies and working with government, NGOs and the community to advocate for improvements in Indigenous health. Can the same be said of each of us as individual practitioners? What personal leadership have we shown to address this problem?

It is of course a problem that is well documented: Indigenous people are 12 times more likely to be imprisoned than their non-Indigenous peers, an issue that is most definitely linked to disparities in Indigenous life expectancy and overall health; rates of rheumatic heart disease, a disease of poverty that is entirely preventable are highest amongst Indigenous people anywhere in the developed world; and the starkest of all statistics: that an Indigenous boy born today will die more than 10 years earlier than his non-Indigenous peer, and an Indigenous girl born today will die almost 10 years earlier than her non-Indigenous peer. In certain areas the difference in life expectancy is closer to 20 years.

As the AMA has said for many years, it is inexcusable that Australia, one of the world’s wealthiest nations, can allow three per cent of its citizens to have poorer health and die younger than the rest of the population. Yet as individual practitioners, what are we personally doing about this?

Are there certain policy settings that would help practitioners take action in Closing the Gap? If a program existed to allow you to spend time in remote Indigenous communities or a suburban Aboriginal Medical Service, would you access it? In this session delegates will have the opportunity to discuss the challenges in Closing the Gap, and share ideas about how programs and policies could be better designed and implemented to address these issues at the practitioner level.

These ideas will complement the AMA’s existing activities to Close the Gap which includes: our membership of the Close the Gap Campaign, membership of the Close the Gap Steering Committee; annual production of the AMA’s Indigenous Health Report Card, awarding of an Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship to support an Indigenous medical student in the completion of their degree (an activity the AMA has been engaged in since 1994), regular visits by AMA Presidents to remote Indigenous communities to hear directly from local community members and medical and other health practitioners about how services are being delivered and how they could be improved; and through the Taskforce on Indigenous Health — Chaired by the AMA President and comprised of senior members of AMA Federal Council, other medical leaders and external advisers from AIDA and NACCHO – which has been developing policy and responding to Indigenous health issues of the day since 2002.

This session is an opportunity for delegates to share ideas about how to address these seemingly intractable problems which can then be developed into practical strategies the AMA can submit to government.

FacilitatorMs Brooke Boney

Brooke Boney is a Political Reporter for SBS World News in Parliament House. She is an Aboriginal woman from Gamilaroi and Gomeroi country in Northern NSW. She’s passionate about the role media plays in shaping the way Australians think about Indigenous issues and culture. Brooke has spent time travelling to remote Indigenous communities both in Australia and abroad.

60

Policy Session 6: Bullying and Harassment — Changing Culture

Saturday 28 May 2016, 3:30–5:00 PM

ChairDr Danika Thiemt

Session CoordinatorMs Sally Cross

In March 2015, the issue of sexual harassment in the medical workplace became prominent in the media. The AMA responded quickly and held an AMA Roundtable on sexual harassment on 1 April 2015. It has since revised its policy on bullying and harassment and flexible work arrangements, and developed new policy on sexual harassment and safe work environments.

At the same time, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) announced a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment and an independent expert advisory group (EAG) was charged with investigating the issue. The EAG Report highlights gender inequity as a central issue and provides a blueprint for the steps RACS needs to take — alone and in partnership — to address and prevent discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment in the practice of surgery.

The AMA has been vocal in condemning bullying and harassment, calling for a ‘whole of profession’ approach and for greater cooperation between employers, unions, colleges and professional bodies, and there is consensus that the medical profession needs to take a leadership role in condemning bullying and harassment.

This session will explore prevailing attitudes towards bullying and harassment in medicine, identify what actions are needed to redress the issues and imbalances that exist, and examine whether the nature of the profession and workplace will allow the culture change necessary to deliver a safer, healthier and respectful work environment.

SpeakersDr Ruth Mitchell

Ruth Mitchell is a Neurosurgery Trainee currently in the second year of her PhD at the University of Melbourne, and also a Neurosurgery Registrar at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

She is the Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Trainee Association (RACSTA), and is drawn to advocacy and activist roles. Passions include refugee wellbeing, diversity in surgery and in science, getting rid of nuclear weapons, and curing brain cancer, ideally whilst eating ceviche.

Ruth has degrees in Zoology and Political Science, has worked in Slovakia with Romany Gypsy children, floated in the Dead Sea, and addressed the United Nations, but she has never spoken at an AMA National Conference before and is extremely excited to be invited.

Chris Ronalds AM SC

Chris Ronalds AM SC is a Sydney barrister, specialising in discrimination law, employment law and administrative law. In that role, she appeared in many landmark cases and has assisted a number of employers in addressing discrimination and harassment issues within their workforce. She has conducted multiple in depth investigations into workplace harassment and discrimination. She is an accredited mediator.

She was closely involved with the preparation of the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

61

She is the author of Discrimination Law and Practice, with Elizabeth Raper (Federation Press, 4th ed, July 2012). She was appointed Senior Counsel in September 2004.

Chris Ronalds was made a Member of the Order of Australia in June 1994 for her services to women, and in particular anti-discrimination and affirmative action legislation.

Mr Philip Truskett AM, MB BS, FRACS, FACS FASGBI (Hon), FAICD

Phil Truskett is a General Surgeon with an interest in Upper GI Surgery at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, where he is a senior staff specialist.

He has taken an active role in both the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the specialty society General Surgeons Australia. He is a past President of General Surgeons Australia. As a College councillor he has served on many College committees. Most recently, he was the Chair of the Board of Surgical Education and Training and immediate past Censor in Chief. In 2016, he was elected College President.

Phil Truskett’s major interest is in the provision of Emergency Surgery to our community in our current challenging environment. As a result, he has been involved in the design and assessment of models of care to provide consultant-led timely care. These models of care are now being adopted in Australia and New Zealand.

He is a strong advocate of sustainable surgical services, as the provision of patient-centred care in a safe, clinical environment is the benchmark by which we are all judged as professionals and how we should judge one another. It is education in the non-technical skills of surgery which will strengthen our place in the community. This education is a current focus.

62

Debate of Motions

Saturday 28 May 2016, 5:00–5:30 PM

ChairDr Beverley Rowbotham

Agenda

1. Debate of Motions on Notice

2. Debate of Urgency Motions

National Conference Standing Order 4.3 states:

“Notice of Motions and accompanying briefing notes must be received by the Secretary General not less than five weeks before the date fixed for the meeting, or at such later time as accepted by the Chair.”

No Motions on Notice were received within the specified period in 2016.

2. Debate of Urgency Motions

Standing Order 6.9 sets out the procedures for Urgency Motions.

Under Standing Order 4.5, Urgency Motions must be received by 1:00 PM Friday, 27 May 2016. Urgency Motions will be distributed to delegates shortly thereafter.

Assistance

For further assistance, please refer to Federal Secretariat staff who will be pleased to answer queries.

National Conference Standing Orders

6.9 Urgency Motions:

6.9.1 Should a Delegate consider that a matter is of such urgency that it warrants debate during a session of the Conference, the Chair may allow such Delegate two minutes in which to explain why the matter should be debated during the session. The Delegate must not, at this stage, discuss the substantive motion. At the conclusion of this address, the Delegate must move, “that the matter ‘X’ be debated as a matter of urgency, in the absence of notice.” The motion requires a seconder and a two-thirds majority of Delegates present and voting to be carried. A motion to consider any business without notice as a matter of urgency must not be discussed.

6.9.2 The substantive motion must commence with the words, “That the Federal Council be requested to look into.” or words to that effect.

6.9.3 The proposer of the substantive motion may be allowed three minutes to introduce the motion. Each successive speaker may be allowed one minute.

6.9.4 No amendments may be moved, but the Secretariat must note any dissenting views for consideration by Federal Council in the event that the motion is carried.

6.9.5 The mover of the motion may have a right of reply, which must not exceed one minute.

6.9.6 The motion requires a simple majority to be carried.

6.9.7 Formal motions, other than a motion under Standing Order 7.2 (that the question be put), may not be moved during the debate on the substantive motion, as the Conference, in passing the urgency motion, has agreed to debate the substantive motion.

SUNDAY

63

Sunday Agenda

Sunday 29 May 2016

8:15-9:15 AM Breakfast with an Expert National Convention Centre

9:15-9.30 AM Welcome Coffee

9:30-10:30 AM Session 7: SoapboxModerator: Dr Beverley Rowbotham

10:30-11:00 AM Morning Tea

11:00-11:45 AM Election of Office Bearers PresidentVice-President

New President’s Statement

11:45 AM Installation of President and Vice President

12:00 PM Conference Concludes

64

General Information

Conference Venue

The Conference will be held at the National Convention Centre, Canberra. Address: 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2601 Website: http://www.nccc.com.au/ Phone: +61 2 6276 5200

The venue is 7kms from the airport.

The AMA Leadership Development Dinner will be held at Boat House by the Lake, Barton.

Address: Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton ACT 2600

Website: http://www.boathousebythelake.com.au/

Phone: +61 2 6273 5500

The Gala Dinner will be held at Old Parliament House. Address: 18 King George Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600a Website: http://moadoph.gov.au/

Phone: +61 2 6270 8222

Car Parking

National Convention Centre

Parking is available at the Convention Centre. It is subject to availability. A charge will apply. The car park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Per day fee:

Monday to Friday

Up to 10 hours: $18.00

Entry before 5:00 PM, up to 2 hours: $6.00

Entry before 5:00 PM, up to 4 hours: $10.00

Lost ticket: $18.00

Weekend (Per Exit)

Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday: $5.00

Evenings

Entry after 5:00 PM: $5.00

Please note: Pay-stations accept cash payment only. For all credit card payments, please pay at Reception during business hours.

Boat House

Free parking available, approximately 50–60 car parks spots onsite plus street parking outside the venue

Old Parliament House

Free parking available after 5:00 PM

http://www.nccc.com.au/

http://www.boathousebythelake.com.au/

http://moadoph.gov.au/

65

ATM

The closest ATM is located at Casino Canberra, next to Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Child Care

Please note no arrangements are available at conference. We suggest you check with the accommodation provider for assistance with babysitting services during your stay.

Dietary Requirements

All catering breaks including lunch, morning and afternoon teas will be served at special stations in the catering area. There will be separate table for delegates with special dietary requirements.

Dress Code

Conference Sessions: Business Attire

President’s Welcome Reception: Business Attire

AMA Leadership Development Dinner: Smart Casual

AMA Gala Dinner: Black Tie with a 1920’s Theme!

Gala Dinner Transfers

Coach transfers to the Gala Dinner at Old Parliament House will depart from the Crowne Plaza Hotel, commencing at 6:40 PM. We recommend that guests partaking of the complimentary tour take the first coach transfer. Returning transfers will be offered back to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, commencing 10:00 PM.

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance coverage of any kind. Delegates are strongly advised to secure appropriate travel and health insurance. Conference managers cannot accept responsibility for any delegate failing to cover their own insurance.

Mobile Phones

Please respect the presenter and other members of the audience by ensuring your mobile phone and/or pager is switched off or on silent while you are in sessions.

Registration & Information Desk

The Registration and Information Desk will be located onsite at The National Convention Centre for collection of name badges and conference materials. Staff will be on hand to answer any queries and provide information. Registration open times:

Friday 27 May 2016 8.00AM–5.00PM

Saturday 28 May 2016 8.00AM–5:00PM

Sunday 29 May 2016 8:00AM–12:30PM

66

Taxi

Canberra Elite

T: +61 2 6126 1600

Silver Service Canberra

T: 13 31 00

Cabxpress

T: +61 2 6260 6011

Name BadgesYour name badge will be your official pass to conference sessions and functions, and must be worn at all times.

Website

The Conference dedicated website is: www.natcon.ama.com.au

Wi-Fi

WiFi instructions are provided to delegates at the event. The password for attendees at Conference is: amadelegate

Social Media

Please note that the Twitter hashtag for conference is: #amanc16

There will also be a social media centre in the pre-function area at the National Convention Centre where you can take and post selfies to share important messages from the Conference.

Contact Information

AMA 2016 Conference Office

Think Business Events

Level 1, 299 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000 Phone: +61 2 8251 0045 Fax: +61 2 8251 0097 Email: [email protected]

NOTE: This Handbook is available electronically from

www.natcon.ama.com.au


http://www.thinkbusinessevents.com.au/

mailto:[email protected]


FIRE & EVACUATION PROCEDURES

The National Convention Centre is dedicated to your safety and as such there are policies and procedures in place to ensure this. Please follow instructions from the Chief Fire Warden over the public address system at all times.

If there is an alarm in the building an alert tone (beep beep) will commence. Fire wardens will then investigate the source of the alarm.

In the instance of a false alarm:

The ACT Fire Brigade will verify there is no cause for alarm and the Chief Fire Warden will advise guests there is no need to evacuate.

The alarm cannot be stood down until the Fire Brigade gives the all clear.

In the instance of an evacuation:

The evacuation tone (woop woop) will commence and a recorded evacuation message will instruct guests to evacuate to the designated assembly point. Fire wardens will check all function areas and assist guests to evacuate.

Assembly Point

Assemble at the rear of the National Convention Centre between the National Convention Centre and the Crowne Plaza / Casino. If the front doors are the nearest exit, walk around the building to the assembly point, instead of crossing the road.

Do not re-enter the building until the building is deemed safe by the fire department.

BOMB AND CHEMICAL THREATS The Convention Centre action plans for bomb and chemicals threats are held in confidence for your safety. Please wait for instruction from National Convention Centre staff.

DO NOT FOLLOW FIRE EVACUATION PROCEDURE

x

69

AMA Platinum Edge Credit Card

*Terms and Conditions apply

Apply >

A complimentary flight every year*

partnersamericanexpress.com.au/ama/amaplatedgecreditcard

70

Don’t Leave Your Career To Fortune

AMACAREER

HUBADVICE

The AMA’s Career Advice Service will assist you with:

� Career Coaching� Applications, CV’s and interview skills� Real life advice� And much, much more.

For more information contact:

Christine Brill (Career Adviser)[email protected] 6270 5483ama.com.au/careers/