News
AMA (WA) re-elects Dr Andrew Miller as President
Thursday June 25, 2020
The Australian Medical Association (WA) has re-elected Dr Andrew Miller as President at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last night.
A graduate of the University of Western Australia, Dr Miller is a specialist anaesthetist, law graduate and company director, experienced in medical policy and advocacy, medical indemnity, and organisational governance and strategy.
Dr Miller said he was proud to return to the helm of the AMA (WA) during one of the most challenging times for the Association, the health system and Western Australia.
“It has been a whirlwind 12 months,” Dr Miller said. “When I assumed presidency in July 2019, we were working on our response to proposed Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) legislation, pharmacists encroaching on GP expertise and skills shortages in rural areas.”
“Everything changed by January, when we were wrapping up our VAD advocacy only to see the first signs of the coronavirus on the horizon in China, and immediately pivoted to prepare for what this virus would have in store for us.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is a defining moment for our society and the AMA (WA), and I am proud of how we led the way.”
Dr Miller said the AMA (WA) worked with State and Federal Governments to prepare WA health systems, hospitals and organisations to handle the crisis and protect the lives of Western Australians, and has not been afraid to challenge government decisions that frontline doctors disagreed with.
“I would like to thank the doctors, nurses and frontline medical staff who tirelessly and willingly put themselves at risk to serve the needs of the community at a time when we didn’t know the extent of the force of this virus and were preparing for an unknown adversary that claimed the lives of many of our colleagues overseas,” Dr Miller said.
Over the next year, Dr Miller plans to assist the WA Government prepare for and manage any potential COVID-19 outbreaks as well as overall State recovery, while ensuring conditions for public health system doctors are improved through further EBA negotiations.
“Doctors are incredible value providers for our community and we will make sure their voice is central in every healthcare issue,” Dr Miller said.
“I am conscious of the responsibility, honour and trust that members have once again placed in me during a time of great change for the AMA (WA) and the community.
“I look forward to working with the new Council, a dedicated Board and staff at the AMA (WA).
“I particularly want to thank our tireless CEO Dr Bennie Ng who has picked up on the legacy of his predecessor and is taking us forward without delay for the benefit of all doctors and the people we look after.
“The momentum we have in the wake of this terrible pandemic is a powerful force and I look forward to continue progressing our advocacy agenda.
“Our transition into an even stronger, more agile and effective Association continues as we remain the leading trusted voice for health in WA,” Dr Miller said.
Media enquiries: 0407 986 308 | media@amawa.com.au
