News
From the President: AMA Federal Agreement Negotiations Update
Friday May 17, 2024
Last week, in my President’s blog, I provided some context around amendments to AMA Federal’s Constitution that are to be voted on at the Annual General Meeting of AMA Federal on 22 May. While the suspension of our membership of AMA Federal precludes AMA (WA) members from participating in this vote, I felt it was important to alert our members to these national developments.
As stated:
“The constitutional changes, if approved by the membership (which does not currently include WA-based AMA members), would enable AMA Tasmania to effectively become a branch of AMA Federal, as has been the expressed desire of AMA Tasmania’s members. We fully support the right of AMA Tasmania’s members to decide on what is right for their circumstances, and sincerely hope that AMA Federal can provide them the same level of local service and advocacy as an independent State or Territory AMA.
Given that AMA Tasmania has stated that it has no pressing financial or membership problem, that AMA Federal regards these constitutional changes as more urgent than resolving its situation with AMA (WA) is of course disappointing. Indeed, it has been urged by other State and Territory AMAs to hold off on non-urgent constitutional reform until the federation is back together and AMA (WA) is back in the room.
The proposed constitutional changes themselves have caused concern amongst State and Territory AMAs, as they enable AMA Federal to establish its own State and Territory branches.”
I also suggested that a constitution needed to be conservative and cautious, due to the possibility of unforeseen circumstances down the track:
“A future Federal AMA could use its constitutional power to set its fees, without consultation with the State and Territory AMAs, in a way that creates an untenable relationship, then establish its own State Branch in competition with the local AMA.”
In the interim, the level of consternation among other branches has become more apparent, with the State AMAs of Victoria, Queensland and South Australia advising their members to vote against the amendments, and other jurisdictions expressing concern.
In its communication to members last week, AMA Victoria opposed the amendments on three main grounds:
- A proposed bundle of amendments contains changes which could negatively affect AMA Victoria’s autonomy and financial viability.
- The constitutional review process has been unnecessarily rushed.
- The proposed changes could impact the right of state and territory AMAs to choose their own representatives.
Regarding point 2, AMA Victoria President Dr Jillian Tomlinson stated that:
“AMA Ltd are putting these Constitutional amendments to members despite ongoing concerns from multiple state AMAs, rather than continuing to negotiate to resolve state AMA concerns.”
The AMA (WA) has never wished to be placed outside the Federation, and is extremely disappointed to find itself in its current position. But the sentiments expressed by AMA Victoria, and being amplified by other AMAs around the country, demonstrate the depth of concern about aspects of federal-state relations.
As you are aware, the AMA (WA) Board has been meeting regularly, and shares many of the concerns reflected in AMA Victoria’s correspondence.
We look forward to engaging in the mediation process with AMA Federal later this month, and will work hard to achieve an agreed and reasonable settlement that is fair to our members and enables AMA Federal to continue its important functions in the Federal advocacy sphere, with a renewed focus on constructive relations between itself and the State and Territory AMAs. Our members should be our focus, not internal politics.
I will continue to inform you of our progress and, as always, thank you for your commitment to the AMA (WA) through your ongoing membership. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me at president@amawa.com.au.
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