Statement from AMA (NSW) president Dr Kathryn Austin

AMA (NSW) understands the immense frustrations of doctors working in an under-funded and under-resourced public hospital system facing ever-increasing demand for services. AMA (NSW) has been advocating for award reform and increased funding for workforce for many years for all doctors in the NSW public hospital system to ensure they can deliver the very best patient care at all times.

As you would be aware, earlier this week the Industrial Relations Commission ordered ASMOF and its members not to proceed with next week’s proposed industrial action.

We encourage any doctor, regardless training level or employment model, to seek advice from AMA (NSW) and your medical defence organisation with any questions about professional responsibilities related to the industrial action.

If you are a Visiting Medical Officer, please note that, irrespective of the orders made by the Industrial Relations Commission earlier this week, VMOs cannot participate in the proposed industrial action.
• VMOs are not employees but contractors. As contractors, at law they are competitors with one another.
• Under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, competitors cannot collectively decide to withdraw services (in whole or in part) and this includes industrial action.

The AMA (NSW) Workplace Relations team can be contacted for individual advice and support on workplace@amansw.nsw.com.au or (02) 9439 8822.

Members may also contact Doctors’ Health NSW for confidential support and access to healthcare on 02 9437 6552.