Following an application by the Minister Administering the State Service Act 2000, the Full Bench of the Tasmanian Industrial Commission today suspended the operation of a decision made by President Abey on 12 January 2016 which concerned the inclusion of a clause in the Medical Practitioners (Public Sector) Award relating to Private Practice Arrangements and Allowance.
Following the hearing today the AMA Tasmania President A/Prof Tim Greenaway said he wished to clarify the AMA Tasmania’s position in regard to the Private Practice Arrangements.
“Contrary to Premier Hodgman’s comments reported in the Mercury this morning, doctors are not seeking a 35% pay increase,” said A/Prof Greenaway.
“Suggesting also that money would be diverted from patient care is incorrect. We are simply wishing to enshrine current payments, which doctors are already receiving, as part of the Award.
“This is so we can ensure we retain and attract high quality doctors in the Tasmanian Health Service and have complete transparency.”
The hearing of the appeal is listed for 29th April 2016.
We acknowledge the commitment given by Counsel of the Minister today during the hearing that the Government will continue to pay the same benefits which have been in existence for many years.
The private patient scheme is a system whereby doctor use their provider number to claim for private patients in public hospital which assists the State Government in funding the hospital.
AMA Tasmania President A/Prof Tim Greenaway
