Our effort is seeing some positive development but more needs to be done to save our caring doctors.

On 15 March 2019, The Drum from ABC featured a special edition to address the endemic bullying culture in the medical profession that is causing tremendous mental health problems within the profession.

Dr Norman Swan, the Host for the Drum program, raised his concerns about AHPRA involvement and the draconian mandatory reporting. Watch the video and scroll down the timeline to fast-forward to 46:50.

The panel of experts, including former AMA president Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, Consultant psychiatrist Dr Helen Schultz and former President of the RACGP Dr Bastian Seidel, remarked on how the AHPRA investigative process by non-medically trained investigators could have a devastating impact on those doctors being at the centre of investigation.

They also raised their concerns that numerous complaints against doctors are lacking in substance demonstrating any real patients’ harm, and those complainants may have other self-vested agenda intending to bully and harm our caring doctors. These are vexatious complaints and we are appalled that AHPRA and the Medical Board continue to downplay the significance of vexatious complaints, and at one stage proclaiming that vexatious complaints are rare.

If you, or people you know, are affected by the current regulatory system and the bullying culture, AHReform would like to hear your case or opinion, whether you are a doctor, a nurse, an allied health professional or a member of the public.

Be assured that we are always open to constructive feedback, insight, and suggestions from our members and supporters.  Signing this petition here matters to all of us who want to stop this bullying culture from harming our healthcare practitioners and health consumers alike.

AHReform is seeking a constructive dialogue with AHPRA and the Medical Board. A national conference in Canberra by HPARA will be held on 8 June 2019 to address these issues.

AHReform has a facebook page for regular updates. You can contact AHReform via email: australianhealthreformgroup@gmail.com