VMO Industrial Campaign Update

On 26 July 2024 AMA (NSW) wrote to Members as to whether AMA (NSW) should accept the Ministry of Health’s remuneration offer for Sessional VMOs, or proceed to arbitration.

Member response to VMO Sessional Offer

The Ministry of Health offered a 9% increase over three years, that is 3% in 2024, 2025 and 2026, with no further claims in relation to Sessional VMO arrangements for three years.

The overwhelmingly majority (76%) voted to reject the Government’s remuneration offer and to proceed to arbitration.

AMA (NSW) would like to thank those who took the time to complete our recent survey. Your feedback is appreciated and valuable and will play a crucial role in AMA (NSW) pursuit of industrial reform for VMOs.

Path to Arbitration

AMA (NSW) been consulting with doctors regarding the need for reform. The key asks AMA (NSW) will be making on behalf of VMOs include:

• remuneration that reflects the value of the services provided by VMOs;
• recognition of the services provided from locations other than the hospital and fair remuneration for same;
• on-call payments for all VMOs regardless of whether they are Sessional or Fee-for-Service;
• improved incentives for VMOs providing services in regional hospitals;
• the payment of loadings for work performed after 6pm and on weekends.

What does this mean for Fee-For-Service VMOs?

AMA (NSW) will be seeking to arbitrate a work value case and better terms and conditions for Fee-for-Service VMOs as well as Sessional VMOs.

What does this mean for other doctors in the NSW Public Hospital System?

AMA (NSW) is the registered industrial organisation for VMOs and will prosecute the case for reform for VMOs. AMA (NSW) supports Award reform for all doctors in NSW and the prosecution of those cases for reform.

If you have any queries or wish to discuss, please contact the AMA (NSW) Workplace Relations Team at workplace@amansw.com.au.