News
AMA (WA)’s Annual General Meeting shows an organisation with strong leadership and direction
Thursday June 13, 2024
The AMA (WA) remains a strong, member-focused organisation with a deeply engaged membership passionate about its future, in keeping with its more than 125-year history, as last night’s 63rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the AMA (WA) offices demonstrated.
The re-election of AMA (WA) President Dr Michael Page for a second year was confirmed, while Dr Katharine Noonan was returned as Vice President. Dr Kyle Hoath was elected unopposed in the other Vice President position.
Board Chair Dr Mark Duncan-Smith said the AMA (WA)’s financial position is sound, with a strong balance sheet of over $23m in assets, which comprises our reported net assets and consideration of the fair market value of our commercial businesses.
“Audited statutory reported losses in past years reflect significant non-cash depreciation charges on real estate, expensed investments made in technology, and revenue-generating businesses including CPD Home and AMA Training Services,” he said.
“Underlying operating losses of $0.9m in 2023 were mostly from the impact of adverse trading conditions across the Training and Medical Products businesses since COVID-19. In 2023, AMA (WA) made active decisions to sell or close business units that were unprofitable.
“AMA (WA) is now on the road to recovery to strengthen its financial position, with modernised corporate governance and a platform for growth.
“AMA CPD Home/Doctor Portal Learning is tracking well, with significant sign-ups from medical doctors across Australia.
“Following the first full year of our delivery of our nursing program within the AMA Training College in 2023, we will see the first students graduate in August this year.”
The meeting passed an ordinary resolution in relation to ongoing negotiations with AMA Federal:
The continued pursuit of an agreement that is in the best interests of AMA (WA) members, to re-establish a contractual relationship between AMA (WA) and Federal AMA, including by way of negotiation and mediation, is supported.
“We recognise that many of our members were surprised and disappointed to learn of AMA Federal’s choice to discontinue negotiations and withdraw privileges from AMA (WA) members in February 2024,” Dr Duncan-Smith said.
“At all times, we have sought to act diligently, and in the best interests of AMA (WA) members.
“The passing of the resolution, which the AMA WA Board supported, was an opportunity to affirm our stance on these arrangements but also to accept that members have differing views on the conduct of our negotiations and the outcomes so far. We don’t shirk from our responsibilities, nor hide from criticism or the probity of our members.
“The negotiations between AMA (WA) and AMA Federal have resumed after the Federal AMA AGM, and we have found the recent mediation between the parties positive and look forward to resolution soon.”
AMA (WA) CEO Dr Bennie Ng said the AMA (WA) would focus on advocacy on important public health, hospital and workforce issues at the upcoming WA and Federal elections in the next 12 months.
“After an intense six-month period of member-driven bargaining process with the State Government, AMA (WA) is looking forward to receiving a genuine offer from the WA Government that would address better working conditions, including burnout of doctors in our fragile health system,” he said.
Dr Page was pleased with the outcome of the AGM.
“I’m honoured to be re-elected as AMA (WA) President, a position held so admirably and honourably by many before me,” he said.
“We are an organisation with strong leadership and direction that has the confidence of its membership.
“There is so much work to do in advocating for our members, their patients, and the community at large. Health and the role of the doctor have to remain top of the Government’s agenda, and we intend keeping it there.
“I thank Dr Katharine Noonan for her continued service, and welcome Dr Kyle Hoath as Vice President, a role at which I believe he will thrive.
“Congratulations to all members of Council confirmed in their positions at the AGM and all outgoing members. Your service is the reason a strong AMA (WA) exists and thrives.
“This has been an undoubtedly challenging period, but we are willing to continue confronting the issues executing a strategy that we believe will future proof this proud and robust Association.
“The AMA (WA) is the peak body for the medical profession, and maintaining that position requires confident, deliberate leadership; we will never rest on our laurels.
“The outcome of this meeting, and the transparency with which our team presented the accounts and conducted the special resolution, demonstrates the kind of leadership we aim to provide. We believe the AMA (WA) is set on a course for continued success and a healthy position as we contemplate our next 125 years.
“We thank our members for their participation, and their confidence in our leadership and stewardship of WA’s doctors,” Dr Page said.
