As you will undoubtedly be aware, the Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation introduced into Parliament, with its many amendments, iterations, review panels, meetings, inquiries, presentations, consultations, advocacy, and lobbying later has now been passed. It will come into law in Tasmania in 2022 once Royal assent is received.

Health is the number one issue in this election for a good reason.

Our mental health service is in crisis.

Our alcohol and drug services are on the verge of collapse.

Our acute care hospitals are bulging at the seams with growing demand, and our waiting lists are blowing out.

AMA Tasmania received a letter signed by sixteen psychiatrists last week.  

READ HERE - 2021 AMA Tasmania State Election Advocacy Platform

Our health system is at breaking point. Doctors in general practice, in emergency departments, on medical wards and in surgery are stressed, exhausted and losing patience.

AMA Tasmania calls for a guarantee from all political parties that any promised increased funding into elective surgery will increase elective surgery capacity and be built into the long-term health budget. 

The Liberals commitment to the co-located hospital at the Launceston General Hospital and more money for hospital equipment is welcomed by AMA Tasmania. 

While increased funding to employ additional staff is also welcomed, this needs to be more than election promises. 

The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill will return to Parliament next week for further debate. While it is likely that the legislation will be passed, based on the unanimous vote in the Legislative Council and the majority vote in the House of Assembly, any bill must be safe and well written. It must also provide the highest level of protection for both patients and doctors.

Australian Medical Association (AMA) Tasmania is joining the Federal AMA, the British Medical Association (BMA) and the American Medical Association in declaring climate change a medical emergency.

Dr Helen McArdle President AMA Tasmania said today, "AMA Tasmania joins with Federal AMA as an association made up of doctors actively supporting the adoption of the Climate Change Bill being considered by the Australian Senate.

This pandemic is not over, and COVID-19 remains a real risk in Tasmania.

We now have COVID-19 back on Tasmanian soil with three overseas travellers testing positive to the virus while in hotel quarantine.

There is no need to be alarmed, but there is a real and urgent need to be very much alert to the increased risk of COVID entering our community.

AMA Tasmania welcomes the release of the Independent Review of the Response to the North-West Tasmania COVID-19 Outbreak report. We will take a close look at the recommendations and work with the government and our doctors to implement those recommendations where appropriate.