QUEENSLAND doctors have accepted that the revised doctor contracts on offer are their best option and look set to sign on the dotted line by the May 31 deadline.
A narrow majority of doctors – 53 per cent – voted in favour of the revised contracts in ballots conducted by the Together Union and the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation.
A total of 34 per cent voted against, with 13 per cent unsure, in the 913 votes returned.
Federation president Dr Tony Sara said while the vote was not overwhelmingly in support, many viewed the new contracts as the best option.
“If the contracts were completely acceptable we would have had 70, 80, 90 per cent in favour, but the fact we have a very large number against or unsure means that clearly as a profession they are not happy,’’ he said.
“We have to say with a very heavy heart that we have to recommend they sign, but we continue the fight.’’
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg welcomed the indication that doctors would sign up to the revised contracts, saying that legitimate issues raised by doctors had been addressed by the Government.
“No doubt this has been a testing time but the doctors and the Government have a similar view – they want the best-quality, value-for-money, performance-focused health outcomes for Queensland and these contracts are about that,’’ he said.
Doctors have until May 31 to sign the contracts, which will come into effect from August 4. Dr Sara said a short extension might be needed.
Source: Courier Mail