Summarised by Centrist
Kara Thomas, Secretary of the Australian Medical Professionals Society, argues that the government regulator, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)’s “non-transparent heavy-handed response” during the COVID pandemic has eroded trust in the healthcare system.
A recent survey reveals that 82.6% of practitioners find AHPRA’s processes unfair, while 78.5% report unjust treatment.
She states that practitioners challenging official narratives on issues like gender affirmation, abortion, euthanasia, and COVID responses have faced AHPRA’s prolonged investigations, disciplinary actions, and restrictions on their practice.
Anonymous complaints and its “guilty until proven innocent” approach have fostered a culture of fear.
Thomas writes that: “With one in five medical practitioners having faced notifications, the human toll is staggering. Practitioners report years-long investigations, career-destroying delays, and devastating financial and mental health impacts. Many contemplate leaving the profession entirely.”
The crisis intensified during the COVID pandemic, where vaccine mandates and suppression of clinical autonomy alienated both practitioners and patients.
A landmark court ruling in Bay v Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency condemned AHPRA’s overreach, warning against its role as an enforcer of politically motivated policies.
Thomas is calling for a comprehensive overhaul of AHPRA, proposing that power and accountability be devolved to elected state and territory boards.
She advocates for strict timelines on investigations to prevent the drawn-out processes that destroy careers. She also urges restricting anonymous complaints to rare instances, to prevent vexatious claims.
Additionally, Thomas argues for the need for an independent oversight body comprising experienced medical and legal professionals to review AHPRA’s decisions.
Editor’s note: Read our exclusive coverage of the NZ Medical Council here.
