Advocacy efforts
AMA Queensland Medical Costs Guide
It’s been thrilling to release our Medical Costs Guide, a living document that truly shows why AMA Queensland membership is so valuable.
Developed with economists using the real costs of delivering private medical services, this guide is built for Queensland clinicians. It understands that wages, rent, insurances, equipment, software, training costs, admin and compliance expenses vary across our decentralised state and provides evidence-based, tailored cost guidance across every Hospital and Health Service region.
Advisory groups from a range of specialties gave input into the project and reviewed it before launch. We will also be able to update the guide based on feedback from members.
This guide is not only good for doctors, but it’s a crucial part of our state and federal advocacy work. It shows how MBS rebates have failed to keep pace with the true cost of delivering healthcare and will be an invaluable asset as the federal government uses its impending Medical Costs Finder website to blame specialists for rising fees. It also will assist specialists operating in state programs like Surgery Connect to determine if they are being appropriately remunerated.
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Flu Vaccination and leadership
There’s been a lot of buzz around political leaders choosing to keep their vaccination status private.
Premier David Crisafulli and Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie have both opted out of getting their flu shots done in full view of the media.
We continue to applaud the state government for once again making the flu shot freely available to all Queenslanders this year and have agreed to partner with the Chief Health Officer to promote this critical public health campaign.
We will stress in the media and elsewhere the importance of vaccination to reduce both the spread of the virus and the severity of symptoms, meaning less pressure on emergency departments during the busy winter months.
Privacy is of course always paramount in healthcare. But we continue to advocate for leaders across health and politics to roll up their sleeves publicly, to show that safe and effective science should trump online conspiracy.
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Specialists fees speculation
It is increasingly clear that the federal government is trying to turn specialists into villains.
Health Minister Mark Butler has flagged capping specialist fees to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
This egregious blame-shifting ignores successive governments’ refusal to lift Medicare rebates to accurately reflect the cost of delivering healthcare. The impact of systemic hospital underfunding – forcing patients into long waits or paying privately – as well as the failure to properly regulate private health insurers should also not be overlooked.
We have a health workforce crisis in Australia, and the government must work with experts to find real solutions, not blaming hard-working professionals.
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Disappointing drug diversion program changes
In April the Queensland government passed legislation that wound back the state’s world-leading drug diversion program.
Replacing the three-strike program with a framework targeting first-time and low-risk drug offenders is a short-sighted move which will be a blow to mental and preventive health.
The change fundamentally misunderstood why the tiered system was necessary.
A University of Queensland report into the program – which has now been tabled – showed of the 17,644 diversions between May 2024 and March 2025, 62% were warnings, 8% were first diversions and 30% were second diversions.
It’s this second diversion cohort that benefits most from the program, as people who regularly use drugs are often struggling with other social, health or mental health challenges.
Treating these people as criminals instead of patients will not reduce drug use in our community.
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News
AMA Queensland Education and Training Institute
May is Small Business Month, making it the perfect time to invest in the leadership capability that strengthens the long-term success and sustainability of modern medical practices.
The AMA Queensland Education and Training Institute (RTO 45101) is proud to offer the Diploma of Leadership and Management and Diploma of Business, designed specifically for healthcare environments where clinical excellence is matched by effective people, business and operational leadership.
AMA Queensland members receive a discounted rate of 20% off for the month of May.
Enquire here
Health advice from AI and TikTok
There’s an increasing trend of Australians using social media platforms like TikTok and AI technologies for health advice and information.
It comes as many people struggle with the accessibility and affordability of medical care.
But while it’s very easy for people to set themselves up on social media channels as experts, it’s also easy to mislead content consumers. AI chatbots may feel personally tailored to each user, but they can only predict, not evaluate and interpret – and they can get things wrong.
Free RSV vaccines
AMA Queensland has welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to provide free RSV vaccines for people aged over 75 years and First Nations people over 60.
Infants and pregnant women in Queensland have had access to free RSV vaccinations since 2024 due to AMA Queensland advocacy and extension to older Australians is wonderful news for public health.
These groups often struggle to pay for costly vaccines, especially with essentials like electricity, food and fuel increasing, so this will help them get the protection they need.
Doctors will also be relieved by this announcement as we head towards the cooler months when emergency department presentations for respiratory infections spike.
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Events
AMA Queensland Roadshow
Our first roadshow for GP and non-GP specialists took place at the Voco Hotel in Brisbane on Friday 24 April.
Members heard from expert speakers on such topics as building resilient practices, the use of AI and cybersecurity, workplace wellbeing, financial health, medico-legal reporting and training and retention.
These events are fantastic ways to network and gain valuable professional insights. The next one is on the Sunshine Coast on Friday 29 May, and we look forward to sharing the experience with you.
Make sure you scroll through our gallery of photos from the day:
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Dinner for the Profession
Our annual black-tie gala will take place on Friday 5 June, with Blackbird Bar and Grill in Brisbane to transformed into breathtaking green for our “Enchanted Forest” theme.
Master of Ceremonies Dr Chadden Hunter will immerse guests in the wilds of nature, with stories and images from his 20 years’ experience filming documentaries alongside the one and only Sir David Attenborough.
This gala will also honour AMA Queensland members who’ve contributed so much to our profession. We recommend registering for tickets or a table early to avoid missing out.
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2026 Annual Conference
AMA Queensland remains unique in our yearly offering of an incredible annual conference in a fantastic overseas destination.
In 2026 we’re heading to Copenhagen for six days of expert talks, site visits, historical intrigue and plenty of smørrebrød.
Join us from 20-26 September in the remarkable Danish capital.