New Secretary General Takes Reins at Federal Australian Medical Association

BARTON, Australia, Sept. 9 -- The Australian Medical Association issued the following news release:

Well known political strategist and health campaigner, Dr Martin Laverty, today commenced work in his new role as Secretary General of the Federal AMA in Canberra.

Dr Laverty joins the AMA after a successful period as Chief Executive of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) of Australia. Prior to the RFDS, Dr Laverty was Chief Executive of Catholic Health Australia.

AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said today that Dr Laverty brings a wealth of policy development and advocacy experience to the AMA.

"The AMA welcomes Dr Laverty to this key role at a crucial time of health reform in Australia," Dr Bartone said.

"With the Coalition Government returned for its third term, there is considerable unfinished business with general practice and primary care, the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review, the significant changes to private health insurance, the Aged Care Royal Commission, and the Health Minister's renewed focus on mental health and preventative health.

"There are also important developments with the Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA) and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and there are growing pressures on public hospitals around the country.

"The health policy landscape is broad and it affects all Australians.

"The AMA is fortunate to have someone with the skills, experience, and connections as Martin Laverty to lead the Association in its important policy, campaign, and advocacy work," Dr Bartone said.

Dr Laverty has a PhD in Governance, and is a Federal Government-appointed Director of the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Advisory Board. He is a Director of Health Direct.

He is a former member of the NSW Public Service Commission, a former Chair of the NSW Heart Foundation, and a former Director of three NSW disability services charities.

A lawyer by original training, Dr Laverty's PhD was in board governance of health care organisations. He also holds an honorary appointment as Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia's Not-for-Profit Initiative.