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Dear ,
The General Practice Group met on 8 April 2026 to discuss ongoing advocacy priorities affecting general practice, including pharmacy prescribing, winter system pressures, and GP reimbursement for participation on Government Boards and committees including the Clinical Senate.
Members noted that unpaid participation creates financial barriers for GPs contributing to system planning and policy work, particularly compared to salaried WA Health staff. Advocacy is continuing to pursue fair and consistent remuneration arrangements.
IMG Committee and GP Representation
An update was provided on the formation of the new IMG Committee. The group discussed the importance of broad representation and ongoing engagement with IMG doctors across WA.
AMA (WA) Legal
Members received an overview of AMA (WA) Legal, a new subscription service designed for private practice owners. The service provides employment law support, workplace advice, updated templates, and assistance with disputes, contracts and policy matters.
SAT Reports and Administrative Burden
The group discussed continuing advocacy regarding reimbursement for doctors completing State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) reports for guardianship and administration matters. Ongoing court portal issues create an added administrative burden, while doctors remain unreimbursed for the significant time required to complete reports.
The recent Law Reform Commission report was noted as supporting further advocacy for reimbursement and broader legislative reform.
Pharmacy Prescribing
The AMA (WA) continues to engage with the State Government regarding pharmacy prescribing and the broader review process.
Winter Strategy and System Pressures
The group discussed the Department of Health’s winter strategy, including expanded vaccination programs, additional bed capacity, and virtual emergency department initiatives.
Members noted ongoing pressure across the health system, particularly in aged care and hospital demand, while expressing concern that insufficient focus continues to be placed on strengthening general practice and community-based demand reduction strategies.
Smoke-Free Prisons and Custodial Health
An update was provided on the smoke-free prisons policy, which has now been deferred until 2027. Members discussed the need for stronger addiction medicine input into implementation planning, as well as concerns regarding limited resourcing for the initiative.
The group also noted ongoing work on a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement for GPs working in custodial settings, with the AMA (WA) continuing to support advocacy around remuneration and working conditions.
Digital Health and Immunisation
Members discussed the need for stronger digital health integration between WA Health and My Health Record systems to improve information sharing and coordination with primary care.
Opportunities for greater GP involvement in immunisation planning were also highlighted, with members encouraged to consider participation in the WA Immunisation Committee. |
