AMA VICDOC Autumn 2024 - Magazine - Page 82
A M AV A DVO CACY
SEEKING CLARITY FROM
AHPRA REGARDING WITHDRAWN
AND RESTRICTED RIGHT
TO PRACTICE
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AMA Victoria has contacted
the Victorian office of
Ahpra to seek clarity
on the expectations of
Ahpra and the Medical
Board in relation to
medical practitioners’
declarations and disclosure
requirements about
withdrawn or restricted
right to practice. This query
arises following an Ahpra
Nursing and Midwifery
Board Fact Sheet from
April 2021 which clearly
articulates that there is
not a requirement for
nurses to declare in the
circumstances described
and that Ahpra would not
pursue for failure for a
nurse to do so unless and
until their right to practice
has been withdrawn or
restricted based on their
conduct, professional
performance or health.
That fact sheet clearly
clarifies the expectations
in Ahpra’s Notice of Certain
Events document for
nurses and midwives, but
we are not aware of clarity
on whether this applies
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AMA VI C TO RIA
to medical practitioners
or whether Ahpra and the
Medical Board have the
same expectations for
medical practitioners.
We await clarification and
will continue to follow up.
DOCTORS IN TRAINING
CLASS ACTIONS
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AMA Victoria has met with
multiple state MPs and the
media to discuss Victoria’s
doctors in training class
actions, led by ASMOF
Victoria and supported
by our organisation.
ASMOF Victoria and
AMAV are seeking to raise
awareness about the
current class actions and
why changes are needed.
Fundamentally, we seek to
remind Victorians and the
Victorian Government that
junior doctors are young
professionals who work
incredibly hard to care for
sick Victorians and deserve
to be paid for the hours
they have worked. This
is not just about money
— many junior doctors
have reported being tired,
making mistakes, suffering
from poor mental health,
being constantly stressed
and much more.
On 28 February 2024
Peninsula Health withdrew
its appeal against the
2023 Federal Court ruling,
which found the health
service to be in breach of
its obligations by failing to
pay then intern Dr Gaby
Bolton for unpaid overtime.
This decision solidified a
crucial Victorian precedent,
ensuring the ruling stands.
This is a triumph for junior
doctors across Victoria who
are advocating for rightful
compensation and opens
the door for thousands
to claim what they have
rightfully earned.
As more class actions
unfold across Victoria,
AMAV and ASMOF Victoria
hope that this precedent
encourages health services
to seek fair resolutions
outside the courtroom,
recognising the value
and dedication of all our
medical staff.
AMA Victoria remains
steadfast in supporting
doctors, championing their
rights, and advocating for a
healthcare system that truly
values its doctors. Together,
we are not just fighting
for what is owed; we are
shaping a fairer future for
all Victorian doctors.
