Here’s an update on a few of the issues AMA Victoria is working on for members, including:

• Meeting with Minister Stitt
• AMA Victoria Submission to Cannabis Regulation Inquiry
• Options for the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot.
   

Meeting with Minister Stitt

Earlier this month, we provided an update on the Victorian Government’s next steps in reforming the state’s mental health system, noting that the Government and Department of Health appeared to be recalibrating their approach to implementing the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

Following this, last week we had a productive meeting with Minister for Mental Health, Ingrid Stitt MP, to reinforce our priorities and seek further clarity on the updated reform agenda.

We welcome the Minister’s reaffirmation of the Victorian Government’s commitment to delivering all recommendations from the Royal Commission. The renewed focus on preventative and primary healthcare, alongside an emphasis on fostering a safe and well-supported workforce, closely aligns with AMA Victoria’s longstanding priorities. We are particularly encouraged by the government’s recognition of workforce needs and its commitment to more realistic timelines, supported by a collaborative approach.

In the context of these reforms, we discussed several issues, including the allocation of funds raised under the Mental Health and Wellbeing Levy. We sought clarity on how these funds are being directed and reinforced the need for transparency to ensure they are exclusively applied to mental health initiatives.

We also addressed the need for sustainable funding for mental health services, raising concerns from members about the government’s recent announcement. Specifically, we sought reassurance that the Department’s approach would not amount to an oversimplified auditing exercise that could unfairly lead to funding cuts for services deemed non-compliant or place undue pressure on staff to implement Royal Commission principles without adequate support.

Additionally, we took the opportunity to discuss the upcoming pill testing trial. AMA Victoria has long advocated for pill testing as a vital harm-reduction initiative, and we are pleased to see this program progressing. The trial is an important step toward ensuring safer outcomes during Victoria’s upcoming festival season.

We appreciate Minister Stitt’s time and ongoing constructive engagement throughout 2024. AMA Victoria remains committed to working collaboratively with the government to drive meaningful improvements in mental health care, workforce sustainability, and public health outcomes for all Victorians.
 

AMA Victoria Submission to Cannabis Regulation Inquiry

AMA Victoria has provided a submission to the Inquiry into the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Regulation of Personal Adult Use of Cannabis) Bill 2023.

Our submission acknowledged the complexity of regulating cannabis for personal use and highlighted the significant health risks associated with its consumption. We supported the AMA policy of decriminalisation of personal cannabis use- focusing on harm reduction and removing criminal penalties, while maintaining strong protections for public health.

Key points in our submission included:

• Health impacts of cannabis: the short and long-term harms of cannabis use are well-documented, including mental health issues (such as psychosis, anxiety, and depression), cognitive impairment, and heightened risks for vulnerable groups, particularly adolescents and individuals with pre-existing conditions.
• Decriminalisation vs legalisation: Decriminalisation prioritises public health by replacing criminal penalties with education, treatment programs, and early intervention strategies. In contrast, legalisation risks normalising cannabis use and has led to unintended consequences- such as increased consumption and health harms- in jurisdictions where it has been implemented.
• Regulatory challenges: If legalisation were to proceed, there is a significant risk of fuelling the illicit market without robust enforcement and compliance monitoring.
• Mitigating risks: Should legalisation occur, additional safeguards would include targeted public education campaigns, and substantial investment in mental health and addiction services to address increased demand.

Our submission advocated for a health-first approach to cannabis regulation. We strongly supported decriminalisation as the most balanced and evidence-based strategy to minimise harm while enabling rehabilitation and education opportunities for affected individuals.

We remain committed to working collaboratively with the government to ensure any cannabis-related policy decisions are informed by evidence, prioritise public health, and safeguard the wellbeing of all Victorians.
 

Options for the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot

AMA Victoria has presented options to the Victorian Government as it considers the ongoing funding and potential extension of the Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot. While the program aims to improve access to care, it is vital that healthcare funding is allocated to evidence-based models that deliver both clinically and cost-effective outcomes.

We strongly emphasised that general practice remains the cornerstone of a high-quality, efficient, and sustainable healthcare system. GPs deliver comprehensive, coordinated care that addresses patients’ broader health needs while safeguarding health system resources. We commended the Allan Government’s recent investments in general practice, such as the GP incentive payment and the rural single employer model trial, and called for continued support to ensure sustainable, patient-centred care for Victorians.

We also noted that preventative healthcare is estimated to save over $14 for every dollar invested, reducing costs to the economy associated with premature death and years spent in ill health. These savings highlight the critical role that proactive, coordinated care within general practice plays in both improving health outcomes and reducing the long-term burden on the healthcare system.

Our advocacy raised several key concerns with the existing Pilot. First, the lack of publicly available evaluation data for the pharmacy pilot makes it impossible to determine whether the program provides value for money or improves health outcomes. Evidence suggests that pharmacy-based care may increase healthcare costs due to duplication of services and the need for follow-up consultations.

Second, prescribing outside the context of a patient’s broader medical history increases the risk of missed diagnoses, overprescription, and suboptimal care, which can ultimately drive-up downstream health costs.

Finally, with the Victorian healthcare budget under immense pressure, resources must be prioritised for proven, evidence-based initiatives. Redirecting funding from the pilot to general practice would strengthen access to high-quality care and help reduce unnecessary hospitalisations.

We urged the government to withhold further funding for the pharmacy pilot until comprehensive evaluation data is available. AMA Victoria remains committed to advocating for healthcare funding that delivers the greatest benefit to patients and the community.