Australian Medical Association - Tasmania

22/09/2025

Premier Rockliff is right. It’s time for the federal government to step up and pay its fair share towards Tasmania’s health system. But, we believe we can go one step further.

AMA Tasmania has long been calling for our state to be the first to adopt a single funder model for health. That is state and federal health funding pooled together with one level of government responsible for determining how the money can be best spent to maximise health outcomes.

This would help to stop the blame game and enable the one level of government to plan health expenditure across primary and acute services fostering collaboration and providing for integrated care for all Tasmanians. It’s time for real change in our healthcare.

https://todayspaper.themercury.com.au/infinity/article_popover_share.aspx?guid=bcac3823-c6bb-4868-8a0f-6cd7eaf86d82&share=true - PREMIER SLAMS HEALTH FUNDS

21/09/2025

Join colleagues and community members for this year’s Arthur Cobbold Memorial Lecture, where our AMA Tasmania CEO, former Premier and Health Minister, Lara Giddings, takes us inside the crossroads of politics and medicine. From fighting for hospital reforms to leading debates on telehealth, prevention, and digital records, she’s seen firsthand how policy choices shape health outcomes for Tasmanians.

Why do Tasmanians in some suburbs live 20 years less than others? What happens when doctors are in short supply, or when new technologies like AI change the way we get care?

Drawing on her time in government, Lara reflects on challenges such as staff shortages, rising costs and new technology, and asks what bold ideas could help Tasmania close healthcare gaps and rethink care for the future.

This is an insider’s perspective on the intersection of politics, medicine, and community that asks us to rethink the health of Tasmania and our place in it.

Former Premier and Health Minister Lara Giddings offers an insider’s view of how government decisions ripple through hospitals, clinics, and households, and considers what bold reforms could improve outcomes for Tasmanians.

21/09/2025

This weekends AMA Tasmania Women in Medicine Retreat delivered with the help of Lexus of Tasmania and Drs4Drs Tasmania was exactly what the doctor ordered. In a stunning setting with beautiful food, wine, and company, Jane Direen guided us through somatic wellness practices that reminded you to slow down, ground, reconnect, and just breathe.

It was a rare chance to pause, reflect, and be truly present and a powerful reminder of the value of showing up for ourselves and each other. Already looking forward to the next one.

17/09/2025

Keeping the clinical director at the centre of hospital operations is not bureaucracy; it is common sense.

KEEPING THE CLINICAL DIRECTOR AT THE CENTRE OF HOSPITAL OPERATIONS IS NOT BUREAUCRACY; IT IS COMMONSENSE

16/09/2025

AMA Tasmania President Dr. Michael Lumsden-Steel discussed the urgent need to align Tasmania's public health funding with other states during an interview with Leon Compton on ABC Radio Hobart. Highlighting a shortfall of over $675 million, he endorsed the critical funding challenges addressed in the recent state health ministers meeting. Listen here -

Stay informed about Tasmanian and national issues.

12/09/2025

The AMA Tasmania is calling on the state government to put on hold any plans for a government-provided home birth program, arguing that the safest place to give birth is a hospital where obstetricians, anaesthetists, paediatricians, and surgical facilities are immediately available if needed. Read here:

The AMA Tasmania is calling on the state government to put on hold any plans for a government-provided home birth program, arguing that the safest place to give birth is a hospital where obstetricians, anaesthetists, paediatricians, and surgical facilities are immediately available if needed.

08/09/2025

AMAzing night celebrating our Dinner for the Profession in Devonport on Saturday! It was fantastic to see so many doctors from across Tasmania come together with colleagues, AMA leaders, and Members of Parliament to discuss the future of healthcare and the vital role of general practice.

The energy in the room reflected both the challenges we face and the optimism we share in building a strong, sustainable health system for all Tasmanians. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us including Dr Danielle McMullen AMA President – your insights and camaraderie made the evening such a success. We look forward to continuing the conversation at our upcoming events.

08/09/2025

07/09/2025

A very enjoyable and interesting evening of conversation with the medical profession at the annual Australian Medical Association - Tasmania dinner.

Thank you to the Association for the invitation, I look forward to continuing to work together.

📸 Dr Danielle McMullen(president federal AMA), Dr Meg Creely (branch vice president AMA Tas.) and Dr Michael Lumsden-Steel (branch president AMA Tas).

04/09/2025

Dr Michael Lumsden Steel President, AMA Tasmania, “hours worked must be paid – this is not up for negotiation or interpretation”.

President Michael Lumsden-Steel said the matter highlighted the “outdated and dangerous” culture of respect in the health system.

“Gone are the days when junior doctors are expected to work long hours to prove their dedication,” Dr Lumsden-Steel said.

“These practices harm morale, risk patient safety, and undermine recruitment.

“Young doctors are not cannon fodder — they are highly trained professionals in the midst of a demanding career journey. We are shocked that even now, some face significant roadblocks to claiming overtime. This must stop.”

Tasmania’s health department has pledged to pay junior doctors “all valid entitlements”, including unpaid overtime.

03/09/2025

Our new Industrial Officer, Georgia McRae, is heading to the Northwest and would love to hear directly from members about matters that are important to you, as well as provide updates on the EBA. There will even be some AMA freebies on hand!
Thanks to Dr Kim Dobromilsky, Georgia will be based at her rooms this Friday (050925), 11am – 5pm at the Northwest Private Hospital Health Centre, Bridport Road.

Please book a time slot so we know to expect you. You can reach Georgia on 0437 096 869 or by email - georgia.mcrae@amatas.com.au

31/10/2024

Today, with the help of Drs4Drs Tasmania and the instigation of one very dedicated doctor we hosted our first casual morning tea for retired doctors, providing a welcoming space to reconnect.

We were extremely fortunate to be joined by Dr. Ruth Kearon, Head of the Tasmanian School of Medicine, who shared updates on the school, and AMA Tasmania CEO Lara Giddings, both of whom thoroughly enjoyed the morning and welcomed discussions on ways retired doctors can continue contributing to the medical community. It is vital for doctors to have a rounded life with other interests outside of medicine, and to nurture relationships outside of work. There are plans afoot for another gathering in February in Hobart and one in the north as well so watch this space.