FOR MEDIA 23 April 1985
I have advised the Council of Procedural Specialists
that the Commonwealth Government will not be represented
at the Council's meeting on Saturday 27 April.
I understand that the Federal Branch of the Australian
Medical Association has also declined to attend the
meeting. The Council should abide by the wishes of the
overwhelming majority of the medical profession and
resume duty in the New South Wales public hospital
system.
Attached is a letter that was today sent to
Dr Bruce Shepherd, President of the Council of
Medical. Procedural Specialists.,.
PRIME MINISTER CANBERRA
2 3 APR 1985
Dear Dr Shepherd
I have received your letter of 19 April 1985 inviting
the Commonwealth Government to be represented at the
meeting of the Council of Medical Procedural Specialists
to be held on Saturday 27 April 1985.
No useful purpose would be served by Commonwealth
representation at the meeting.
The terms of the Commonwealth and New South Wales
Governments' package have been well canvassed. An
overwhelming majority of the medical profession have
indicated their support for the package and their belief
that the Council's industrial action should cease to
allow restoration of full services in the New. South
Wales public hospital system.
In the interests of the medical profession, and public
patients in New South Wales hospitals, I believe that at
its meeting the Council should now . agree to recommend a
return to normal duties.
Yours sincerely
R. J. L. Hawke
Dr Bruce Shepherd
President Council of Medical Procedural Specialists
Suite 4
900 Pacific Highway
GORDON N. S. W. 2072