Advocacy efforts
Turnaround on e-Mobility devices
The month began with a disappointing about-turn by the state government on e-mobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters.
AMA Queensland has campaigned for a ban on under 16s riding these devices, due to the devastating injuries our emergency doctors see far too often.
The parliamentary inquiry into these devices recommended such a ban, but legislation introduced in the first week of June allowed 12 to 15-year-olds to ride under parental supervision, with 16 to 17-year-olds required to get a learner’s permit.
Adult supervision was already in place before the inquiry, and children were still being harmed and killed.
The legislation passed on Thursday 4 June, but not before we drew attention to the risks across a number of media interviews and stories leading to an urgent meeting with the Minister for Transport and Main Roads.
AMA Queensland also strongly rejected the licensing framework in the proposed new legislation, which looks set to make doctors responsible for exemptions.
It should not be up to doctors, in particular GPs, to decide who is or isn’t allowed to ride these devices. They have not been trained to assess if someone who is unfit to hold a vehicle licence is fit to ride an e-scooter.
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Workforce planning
AMA Queensland has called for the upcoming state budget to clearly outline a plan to recruit and retain the nearly 6000 doctors Queensland needs by 2032.
Last year, the government’s own workforce gap analysis identified that without strong intervention, Queensland will have a shortfall.
It’s now up to the Premier, Treasurer and Health Minister to explain to Queenslanders how they’re going to attract those clinicians and get them to where they’re needed right across regional and rural Queensland.
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Maternity services need safe delivery
AMA Queensland has called on the state government to restore collaborative maternity services with obstetric care as a priority in the health budget.
Prioritisation of midwife-led models and funded home birth services have allowed alarming and false anti-medical narratives to flourish.
Pregnancy and labour are major medical events, and women across Queensland should have access to hospital-based care that ensures their safety and that of their child.
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First Nations Health
Our pre-budget submission reiterated the need for urgent, community-led investment to improve the health of our First Nations peoples and strengthen the First Nations medical workforce.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders continue to die younger and experience higher rates of preventable disease, chronic illness, mental health distress and substance-related harm.
AMA Queensland’s 2026-27 budget submission highlights that 30% of First Nations doctors leave the profession, often due to racism, burnout and a lack of culturally safe support.
This alarming loss of expertise undermines access to culturally safe care for wider First Nations communities which already face unacceptable health inequities.
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News
AMA Queensland Education and Training Institute
Many people don’t realise that education costs, like our courses at AMAQETI, can often be tax deductible.
If your training is directly related to your current role, for example, helping you maintain, improve or update your skills, you may be able to claim some or all of the cost back at tax time.
This can make our short courses and qualifications an even smarter investment in your career. As everyone’s situation is different, we recommend checking with a registered tax agent or the ATO to see what applies to you.
Discover our courses
King's Birthday Honours List
AMA Queensland has congratulated five members recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
All five have made outstanding professional and personal contributions to the field of medicine.
It is heartening to see wonderful Queensland doctors celebrated for the impact they’ve made on their profession, their patients, and in the community.
AMA Queensland Foundation Scholarships and annual tax appeal
Four incredible Queenslanders are a step closer to becoming doctors, after being awarded $10,000 AMA Queensland Foundation scholarships.
The Foundation’s 2026 Medical Student Scholarships were awarded to Adeena Thankakumar (Townsville), Shreya Somasundaran (Townsville), Edwin Packer (Toowoomba) and Hannah Newsome (Gold Coast) to help them meet their living expenses while completing their medical studies.
The AMA Queensland Foundation has also launched its annual tax appeal, the proceeds of which go towards this incredible initiative to support the doctors of the future.
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Events
Dinner for the Profession
Guests stepped into an enchanting forest inspired experience at Brisbane's Blackbird Bar and Grill on 5 June, as the medical profession came together to celebrate excellence, leadership and the future of medicine in Queensland.
Guiding guests through the evening was internationally renowned storyteller, filmmaker and adventurer Dr Chadden Hunter, who captivated the audience with stories from more than two decades spent filming wildlife documentaries alongside Sir David Attenborough.
Congratulations to our award winners:
The Gold Medal – Dr Christopher Pyke
Excellence in Health Care Medal – Professor James Nicklin and Dr Lydia Pitcher
Rural Health Medal – Dr Dan Halliday
Doctor in Training Medal – Dr Emma Hodge
Distinguished Supporter Member Award – Ms Melissa Impiazzi
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Cairns events
We’re hitting the road this month for a series of events and
networking opportunities in Cairns.
Kicking things off on Thursday 18 June is a Member
Networking evening, followed the next morning by our Women in Medicine
Breakfast. This is your chance to meet our new Vice President Dr Sarah Coll and
hear from a range of brilliant women discussing challenges of the sector and the
elusive art of work/life balance.
Friday 19 June will also see our AMA Queensland. This is a
CPD Home-accepted, professional development event delivering 5 CPD hours for
GPs and non-GP specialists navigating the evolving landscape of private
practice, workforce pressures, technology and long-term financial security.
These events are fantastic ways to network and gain valuable
professional insights.
See events
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.