AMA VICDOC Summer 2024 - Magazine - Page 32
MANY DON’T REALISE THE SACRIFICES
GABY HAS MADE TO ACHIEVE CHANGE FOR
VICTORIAN JUNIOR DOCTORS AND PATIENTS.
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JILL
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GABY WAS THE LEAD APPLICANT IN A CLASS
ACTION COORDINATED BY THE AUSTRALIAN
SALARIED MEDICAL OFFICERS' FEDERATION
AND AMA VICTORIA.
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In August 2023, Gaby won a landmark
class action against her employer when a
Federal Court judge found that Peninsula
Health had breached the Fair Work Act in
underpaying its junior doctors between 2015
and 2021. Gaby’s bravery and determination
has paved the way for the success of other
class actions. Her win was a historic turning
point in our campaign to end excessive and
dangerous working hours for junior doctors,
and to strengthen the healthcare system by
creating safe working conditions.
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AMA VI C TO RIA
Being the lead applicant in a class action
is onerous, but vital. Gaby’s crucial
evidence and strength were vital factors
in the Federal Court judgement and
penalty decision against Peninsula Health.
Decisions to proceed with legal actions
against Australian health services have
not been made lightly. These class actions
have been difficult for all involved doctors,
particularly those required to provide
evidence in court, and for the junior
doctor lead applicants.
CHANGE MAKERS DESERVE OUR
APPLAUSE AND SUPPORT.
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It can be hard to speak up for what is
right, and fair and just. It is easier to
keep your head down, and to ignore the
problem. This is particularly true in a
strict and hierarchical medical culture,
and for doctors in training for whom
a negative reference can block entry to
a desired training pathway. Gaby has
stepped up, not for herself, but for patient
care and for all junior doctors in Victoria.
