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President’s Blog: Tell them what you think
Friday October 6, 2023
You should have just received an invitation to a Government Sector Wages Policy Consultation Session. Before the length of that title gives you second thoughts, it’s fundamentally a chance for our Members to have their say about an issue that has occupied much of our energy for some time now, as we prepare for our next public hospital Industrial Agreement.
Since our last Agreement was struck, in which we came to terms with the Government on wages and conditions for doctors working in the public system, there has been a not so minor explosion in the cost of living. It has, to say the least, sharpened the minds of many of our doctors, and our activist doctors in particular, to achieve a better outcome.
Securing this session with the senior Government staff who advise our relevant ministers in the health and bargaining space is a way for us to have a seat at the table. It is the basic business of the AMA (WA). Your business. And it’s not only about the public sector. Government Sector Wages Policy impacts salary decisions outside the public sector. We believe it is relevant to all our Members and you should all consider attending. Tell them what you think, let them know how hard you work and what your expectations of fairness and reward are for the tremendous job you all do. Every day.
We fundamentally believe that there is strength in our unity. It’s why we value our AMA (WA) Membership so much. But some issues go well beyond membership. Sexual harassment is one of those issues.
In general, our representation for industrial issues in workplace disputes is given only to existing members. It’s because this service is so resource-intensive; we can’t generally just take up the cause of someone who wants something resolved that has already been set in motion. The CEO needs to approve such requests.
However, in cases of sexual harassment, we make an exception. Our Pre-Existing Issues Policy states that:
The AMA (WA) is an advocate of safe workplaces. All members and non-members are encouraged to seek assistance on any matters relating to sexual harassment.
I bring this up because a very robust and respectful discussion was recently ignited among our Councillors by this report.
I’d encourage you to read it yourselves but Dr Dominique Lee felt the need to share her story, even 10 years after the events of her indecent assault, and deal with some of the shame and harm caused by her experiences with Prof John Kearsley, which, as reported: “remains the only time a junior doctor in Australia has won such a case against a senior doctor”.
That speaks to the power differentials in our profession, which undoubtedly fuelled our internal discussions. And it’s worth noting that it was only the messages she sent during the course of the evening of the assault, and the subsequent and immediate testing she did for drugs, thanks to her medical friends, that led to that conviction. She had been drugged with benzodiazepine.
Later this month the first Australasian Summit on Sexual Harassment in Medicine will be held, and will include representation from our Council and membership. The very brave and principled Dr Lee will also attend.
The title of that piece includes a quoted line: ‘The system teaches you to be quiet’.
I would argue that is why an AMA (WA) membership is so valuable. We are trying to teach the opposite. We want our doctors to raise their voices towards common and fundamental goals. There is always room for another doctor. Join us today. To our Members, thanks so much for your support. And your voice.
Information and support for anyone affected by sexual abuse or harassment issues is available in Australia at 1800Respect (1800 737 732).
