_ A
PRIME MIMSTER
FOR MEDIA 21 February 1985
JOINT'STATEMENT BY PRIME MINISTER AND PREMIER OF NEW SOUTH WALES
The Prime Minister, Mr Hawke, and the New South Walee-Premier.
Mr Wran, today welcomed the call by the Federal Executive of the
Australian Medical Association for doctors in New South Wales
public hospitals to resume normal duties.
The call came following the agreement reached in negotiations
involving the Prime Minister, the Federal Health Minister,
Dr Blewett, and New South Wales Deputy Premier and Minister for
Health, Mr Mulock in Canberra today.
The Prime Minister and Premier said the agreement formed the
basis for settlement of the long-running dispute.
" We urge NSW surgeons to respond positively to the responsi! K! e
and reasonable recommendation made by Mr Thompson,' they said.
" We have always believed that the gcod sense of the majority of
the profession would prevail over the political objectives of
extremist groups."
" The AMA's statement today reflects the belief of most doctors
that the well-being of their patients is of paramount
importance." " Following this call for a return to work we are confident that
immediate negotiations between both Governments and the AM4A can
address the legitimate concerns of the profession."
' Through these negotiations the previous high standard of
patient care can be restored in New South Wales public
hospitals. We are determined that every Aust%_-ralian' s right of
health cover through the fair and universal Medicare program
will be maintained."
As a result of discussions today w. ith the AMA the following
agreement has been reached between the parties:
The AMA accepts the Prime Minister's and Premier ' s offer of
23 Janaury ( as amended by not insisting on withdrawal of
resignations);
2.
The AMA agrees to an extensive advertising and
communication program calling upon doctors to resitme
normal duties;
The Governments agree to begin negotiations with the AMA
next Tuesday with a preliminary meeting between officers
on Saturday to determine procedures and timetable;
The Governments agree to defer the advertising cf specific
vacancies pending an assessment to be made next week of the
extent to which doctors make themselves available for
normal duties; if there are gaps remaining in the
provision of medical services in public hospitals then
specific positions will be advertised.