VMO Arbitration: Modernising your VMO working conditions in NSW public hospitals

Technology has changed the ways we all work. And where we work from.
Yet, Visiting Medical Officer terms and conditions have not changed since 2007 and many services – such as attending a hospital meeting online or reviewing a patient’s electronic medical record from home or another workplace – are not recognised or remunerated.
We know these modern ways of working benefit patients and reduce the stress on our already over-burdened health system.
And, we know your time, skills and knowledge are valuable and you deserve recognition and remuneration for the various ways in which you care for patients and their families.

VMO Survey

AMA (NSW) has engaged ORIMA Research to conduct a confidential survey of VMOs in NSW working under the Sessional and Fee-for-Service Determinations.

The comprehensive confidential survey will form an important part of the evidence that is presented to the Arbitrator.

Please complete the survey if you are a VMO in NSW, share the details with colleagues and ask them to complete the survey.

Survey FAQ

Who is ORIMA Research?

Orima Research is an evidence-based research consultancy. You can read more about ORIMA here.

How will the survey be conducted?

You will be asked to register to complete the survey. A link will take you to the ORIMA Survey page and you will be asked to enter your mobile number. Once you have registered, you will receive an SMS from ORIMA with a link to verify your registration and a link to complete the survey.

Do I need to complete the survey?

You do not have to complete the survey but we strongly encourage all VMOs to do so. The evidence from the survey results will be a key component of AMA (NSW)’s evidence in the case for change.

Will answers be confidential?

Yes, your responses will be confidential and you will not be identified in the reporting of results. You can read about ORIMA Research’s privacy policies here.

VMO Arbitration FAQ

What is AMA (NSW)’s role in the NSW Industrial Relations system for Visiting Medical Officers?

AMA (NSW) is the registered industrial body for Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs) in NSW under the Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW). Under the Health Services Act, AMA (NSW) has the right to seek the appointment of an arbitrator to determine the terms and conditions (including remuneration) for VMOs.

Where can I find the current terms and conditions for VMOs?

The terms and conditions for Sessional and Fee-for-Service VMOs in the public system are found in the VMO Determinations:

Links to current remuneration rates:

Why arbitration?

The last time the VMO Determinations were the subject of a substantive review was in 2007, and the last time a work value case was run for Visiting Medical Officers was the early 1990s.

Recent NSW Government Wages Policy has restricted the ability of AMA (NSW) and unions to seek reform of the industrial instruments that apply in the NSW Public Hospital System.

AMA (NSW) has been negotiating and will continue to negotiate with the Ministry of Health to limit the number of contested matters at Arbitration as this is in everyone’s interest including the health system.

Ultimately, the Arbitrator needs to issue new or amended Determinations to reflect the changes, be they agreed or decided by the Arbitrator.

When will Arbitration commence?

Following the making of an amendment to the relevant Regulation in mid-December, which means the Arbitrator will be appointed from the NSW Industrial Court, AMA(NSW) has written to the Government seeking the appointment of an Arbitrator.

Once the Arbitrator has been appointed, AMA(NSW) and the Ministry of Health will meet with the Arbitrator and orders will be made for the parties to provide their evidence to the Arbitrator and each other, and we expect a hearing to take place in 2025. We will keep VMOs informed of developments as they happen.

What changes will AMA (NSW) be seeking to the VMO Determinations?

The changes AMA (NSW) will be seeking include:

  • Recognition and remuneration for services provided from locations other than the hospital;
  • Appropriate remuneration for non-emergency work undertaken after 6pm during the week and on weekends;
  • Payment of an on-call allowance for Fee-for-Service VMOs;
  • Payment for cancelled cases;
  • Indexation of the Professional Support Payment for regional VMOs and other regional incentives;
  • The right of VMOs to decide whether to treat private patients in public hospitals and the availability of TMF cover for private patients.

AMA (NSW) will also run work value cases for VMOs. The work value cases will consider the ways in which VMOs work, the efficiency gains from new techniques and technologies, and the appropriate rates of remuneration for the services VMOs provide.

Will the VMOs' arbitration benefit all other doctors?

The matters about which AMA (NSW) is seeking change are not unique to VMOs, and if we are successful, we anticipate it will strengthen the case for the modernisation of other industrial instruments in the NSW public hospitals.

Modernising industrial instruments and reviewing remuneration arrangements will assist NSW to retain its existing workforce and attract additional workforce.

How can I help?
  • Complete the survey
  • Share the survey with colleagues
  • Encourage your peers to join AMA (NSW) to help us improve the health system for all doctors.

Become an AMA (NSW) member today!

AMA (NSW) has a range of services and resources to support you