Australian Medical Association

02/04/2026

The federal government’s new gambling advertising reforms fail to provide the comprehensive protections needed to reduce online gambling-related harm, particularly among children and young people.

Australians lose more to gambling than any other country in the world. Gambling addiction is a serious health issue linked to mental illness, substance abuse, family breakdown and severe financial distress.

The AMA will continue to call for all the reforms recommended by the review led by Peta Murphy, including a national independent gambling regulator and a pathway to a total ban on online gambling advertising.

The federal government’s new gambling advertising reforms fail to provide the comprehensive protections needed to reduce online gambling-related harm, particularly among children and young people.

31/03/2026

Be in a room that influences.

Leadership, policy, politics.

Our national conference is where decisions are shaped.

⏰ Don't miss out on our early bird offer for members 👉 ends 30 April👉 https://tinyurl.com/585cuwky

30/03/2026

AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen addressed health leaders at the AFR Healthcare Summit today, highlighting while there have been some investments in general practice bulk billing, there is still more to be done across the health system to make healthcare affordable and sustainable.

With premiums rising and household budgets already under pressure, Dr McMullen urged the sector to work together on practical, long‑overdue reforms that improve affordability and strengthen the sustainability of Australia’s health system.

“Patients are being squeezed from every direction, and the system simply isn’t keeping up,” Dr McMullen said. “Under private health insurance, for example, the sheer complexity of our differing insurance rebates makes it really difficult for doctors and patients alike.”

The AMA’s new resource, The gaps that create gaps, exposes the policy failures driving up out‑of‑pocket costs — and the straightforward changes that could make a real difference for patients.

Read more in our latest media release: ama.com.au/media/private-health-reform-gap-leaves-patients-paying-price

30/03/2026

Private health premiums are rising again — and patients are paying the price.

Outdated policy settings and inconsistent rebates are driving up out‑of‑pocket costs, leaving Australians squeezed at a time they can least afford it.

Today we’re launching The gaps that create gaps, a new resource exposing the structural issues pushing costs higher and outlining practical reforms to restore balance and improve affordability.

Australia needs a private health system that’s transparent, sustainable, and centred on patients — and that starts with real policy reform.

Learn more at ama.com.au

25/03/2026

Celebrating Women's History Month

Dr Helen McArdle grew up in an Irish family where tradition quietly set expectations, and where being the second child — and a girl — came with its own conventions.

But her father, also a doctor, never shared those limits. He encouraged her to aim high, supported her ambitions without hesitation, and made it clear that gender should never define capability.

At home, the message was simple: “Women could do anything men could, more often than not with a little better organisation to boot.”

With her family's backing, Dr McArdle followed her father and brother into medicine and was encouraged to develop not only as a clinician but also as a leader.

Read more about Dr McArdle’s inspiring story here👉🔗 https://www.ama.com.au/articles/ama-celebrates-womens-history-month-2026

25/03/2026

AMA members: Time is running out to nominate for the AMA awards.

Nominations close next Tuesday 31 March 2026.

The awards for Women in Medical Leadership; Diversity in Medicine; Excellence in Health Care; Women’s Health, and AMA DiT of the Year will be presented at our conference in August.

Get your nomination in now 👉bit.ly/4sYBwrG

24/03/2026

The AMA supports calls from state and territory leaders urging the federal government to fix a legal barrier that’s preventing terminally ill Australians from accessing voluntary assisted dying.

Everyone deserves fair, compassionate end‑of‑life care — no matter where they live.

23/03/2026

Session 4 of our colleges, associations and societies meeting today examined the realities of driving health reform in a crowded advocacy and media landscape, and the role journalism and politics play in shaping policy outcomes.

Facilitated by Ms Sue Dunlevy, former Health Editor at News Limited, the session featured insights from Dr Mike Freelander MP, Member for Macarthur, and Mr Michael Smith, Health Editor at the Australian Financial Review.

The discussion highlighted the challenge of cutting through competing priorities to keep health reform front of mind, with real‑world case studies playing a critical role in making complex policy issues tangible for decision‑makers and the community.

Speakers also reflected on the modern challenges facing journalism, including navigating pressures around data, algorithms and audience engagement.

23/03/2026

Session 3 of our colleges, associations and societies meeting explored how Australia’s national regulatory and workforce frameworks can better support reform, access and patient safety.

Chaired by AMA Tasmania CEO Lara Giddings, the session brought together perspectives from Dr Susan O’Dwyer (Chair, Medical Board of Australia), Ms Penny Shakespeare (Deputy Secretary, Health Resourcing, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing) and Associate Professor Julian Rait OAM, the Vice President of federal AMA.

The impact of cost-of-living pressures on access to healthcare was discussed, with some Australians delaying or forgoing prescribed medicines. The introduction of 60‑day prescribing, called for by the federal AMA since it was first proposed in 2018, was recognised as an important and practical step to ease these pressures and improve access to essential medications.

The central role of doctors in healthcare reform was also highlighted with speakers emphasising that reforms like pharmacy prescribing, designed without meaningful medical involvement, risk undermining safety and fragmenting care.

23/03/2026

Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Senator Anne Ruston joined us for a keynote address, thanking the AMA and medical leaders for their contribution to Australia's healthcare system.

Senator Ruston highlighted the AMA’s 2026 Public Hospital Report Card, which she said reinforced the need to prioritise investment in preventive health.

She said the AMA's ongoing research and reports play a key role in providing clear, evidence‑based insights to inform parliamentary discussion.

23/03/2026

Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Anne Ruston told our annual colleges, associations and societies meeting there needs to be more of a focus on preventive health.

We couldn’t agree more, which is why we will continue calling for a tax on sugary drinks through our SicklySweet campaign. This “win win” and evidence-based policy would boost government revenue for further preventive health measures and have a big impact on chronic disease.

https://www.ama.com.au/sickly-sweet

23/03/2026

Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Rebecca White, joined us for the keynote address at the colleges, associations and societies meeting.

She acknowledged the ongoing pressures facing public hospitals and highlighted the importance of strengthening connections across public, private and not‑for‑profit healthcare to improve patient experiences.

Ms White said there is a strong focus in government on fostering system‑wide innovation that delivers real value for patients, ensuring best practice becomes standard practice, and addressing specialist fee affordability.

She reinforced the importance of working together, collaborating, openly and respectfully to ensure all Australians can access the affordable, high‑quality healthcare they need and deserve.