Payroll tax

Queensland is the only state or territory to have achieved an exemption for GPs from payroll tax. The legislative process began in November. We hope this will be the trigger for tax harmonisation across Australia. We will continue to advocate for the exemption for all medical practices.

Workforce

Workforce Attraction Incentive Scheme for interstate and international doctors to relocate to Queensland ($10K-$70K each; $40M expansion).

$40,000 General Practice Trainee Grant Program (2 years; $24M).

Grants for 50 GPs to upskill in obstetrics and anaesthetics ($5.25M).

Vaccinations

Free Meningococcal B and RSV vaccines and ongoing funding for influenza vaccinations.

We are working to convince the new state government to renew the free influenza vaccine program for 2025. 

Hospitals

Implementation of AMA Queensland Ramping Roundtable Action Plan recommendations including patient flow and discharge initiatives, virtual ED, rapid access services, extended hours for medical imaging and allied health, electronic rostering and transit lounges.

Patient Care Facilitators to ensure patients discharged from hospital see their GP within seven days to improve outcomes and prevent readmission.

Surgical Wait List Roundtable Action Plan to address inequitable access to elective surgery for regional patients.

Technology

QScript look-up exemptions for patients in hospital and other settings, including in RACFs.

Digital Passports for all Queensland Health staff and internal locums for key specialties and regions. This must now be implemented as a priority and locum opportunities extended to all Queensland Health staff.

Mental health and wellbeing 

Qld Health staff wellbeing laws to make HHSs and their boards responsible for promoting a culture and implementing measures to support the health, safety and wellbeing of staff.

Independent review into sexual assault policies and procedures at public hospitals.

International Medical Graduates 

International Medical Graduate (IMG) recommendations submitted to the Queensland Government to improve supports for this valuable medical cohort. The recommendations are also being considered for progression by AMA’s IMG Working Group (WG).

The AMA Queensland IMG WG prompted the formation of the federal AMA IMG WG. The WG will recommend actions the AMA can take to advocate for pathways to support work participation and career progression and provide advice on how to ensure membership of the AMA is relevant to IMGs.

Aged and end-of-life care

Increase to the palliative care eligibility access period for all services from three months to 12 months and improving access to the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS); continued funding for the Specialist Palliative Care in Aged Care (SPACE) program; and $18M for voluntary assisted dying services.

Tobacco/vaping

Introduction of amendments to Queensland legislation to restrict the availability and sale of vaping products.

Drug laws

Drug law reform to implement a three-tier drug diversion program for limited quantities of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals, ensuring a health rather than criminal justice approach.

Sustainability

AMA Queensland-Queensland Health Sustainability Summit to promote adoption of climate actions, including emission reporting and targets and a sustainability champions program within all HHSs.

Active Travel Position Statement to improve public health and reduce emissions.

Sustainable Events Guide to help shape our efforts to mitigate the impact of AMA Queensland’s activities on the climate and carbon emissions.

First Nations health

First Nations funding for AMA Queensland health partners including the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health and the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council.

LGBTQIASB+ Health

Funding of $6.8M in the State Budget for gender affirming care that is tailored and more accessible for this community.

Fought for your safety 

Conducted the ninth Resident Hospital Health Check, evaluating employment conditions and wellbeing among doctors in training across Queensland.