Australia’s peak medical bodies have significant influence. In early January, we coordinated and hosted a key advocacy meeting with some of our nation’s most prominent and politically relevant medical organisations.

There were a few reasons for our decision to lead this event.

We are expecting a federal election in the first half of the year, and we know that our colleagues often place significant resources into their advocacy. Having a better understanding of their views, proposed steps and outcomes was a valuable insight, particularly where our views have alignment.

It is no surprise that advocacy bodies that mobilise their members to deliver their messages clearly and consistently in an election cycle are successful. Being able to discuss member engagement strategies first hand with the leaders of peak bodies such as the AMA and the RACGP gave us a sense of how their structures work and how they are successful.

‘For our profession to be able to attract and lead a discussion with the most influential medical peak bodies in the country demonstrates our relevance and respect.’

One of the drivers in coming together was to see where and how our medical colleagues were preparing and dealing with key issues that cross all health professions. Wide-ranging discussions included how our professions are working to improve the cultural competence of the workforce, how we should politically aim for greater funding of preventative health strategies, and what changes are needed in Australia’s Medicare system.

It is clear that we are more closely aligned than you would think. Ongoing work with all of our partners during this election year will be important, and there has been a commitment to work together, share resources and continue to meet regularly in this fashion.

For our profession to be able to attract and lead a discussion with the most influential medical peak bodies in the country demonstrates our relevance and respect. Importantly, our medical colleagues also recognise that to be truly successful, health advocacy reform needs to have a multidisciplinary and coordinated approach. Our leadership of this meeting structure now and into the future is one piece in our effort to position our profession more strategically.

If you would like to discuss the meeting and outcomes further, click here to contact me directly.