THE State Government is yet to decide whether it will accept a pay rise for doctors, prompting a warning from the AMA that the Government would be “extremely unwise” to reject the independent umpire’s ruling.
Last Friday the Tasmanian Industrial Commission recommended a new, long-awaited pay deal for doctors
The decision does not include back pay but he has made provisions equating to a pay rise of between 6.5 per cent and 8 per cent.
Most doctors have been on a pay freeze for more than three years.
The Australian Medical Association has hailed the decision as a way to attract and retain doctors and future proof the state’s health system.
However internal advice by the Department of Health and Human Services suggests the pay claim could put a big dent in the state’s finances.
Premier Will Hodgman said yesterday the Government was yet to make a decision on the pay rise.
“That matter is currently under consideration by the Government, we’re taking advice on all the implications of that. I won’t pre-empt what may or may not happen,” he said.
The lack of a decision a week after the Industrial Commission’s ruling has promoted Australian Medical Association state president Tim Greenaway to seek answers.
“I will be calling the Health Minister this week asking for an early acceptance of the Industrial Commission’s decision,” Dr Greenaway said.
“The AMA … has made it clear all along we would stand by the Commission’s direction and we expect the Government to do the same.
“It’s fundamental to attracting and retaining doctors in this state, we want to build a sustainable medical workforce for Tasmania and the Industrial Commission’s decision and reclassification of pay rates should enable us to train doctors to stay in Tasmania.
“We think the Government would be extremely unwise to challenge or appeal the Commission’s decision.”