Doctors and members of the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF) in Canberra are set to vote on potential industrial action following a protracted pay dispute with ACT Health. The decision comes after months of failed negotiations over salary increases and working conditions, with doctors citing excessive workloads and chronic understaffing as key issues.
Background of the dispute
The dispute centres on the ACT government's offer of a 2.5% pay rise per year over three years, which ASMOF argues falls short of inflation and fails to address the growing pressures on the health system. The union is seeking a 6% increase annually, along with better rostering and improved support for junior doctors.
Concerns over patient safety
Dr. Mark Smith, ASMOF ACT president, emphasised that the industrial action is not taken lightly but is necessary to ensure patient safety. “Our members are working under unsustainable conditions, with many putting in 60-hour weeks just to keep up with demand. This is leading to burnout and compromising the quality of care,” he said.
The vote, which will be conducted online over the next two weeks, will ask members to consider a range of actions, including banning overtime, refusing to perform administrative tasks, and potentially withdrawing from non-essential services. However, emergency care and critical services will be exempt to minimise patient harm.
Government response
ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith expressed disappointment at the prospect of industrial action, stating that the government has made a fair offer. “We respect the work of our doctors, but we must balance the needs of the health system with fiscal responsibility. The 2.5% offer is in line with other public sector agreements,” she said.
Minister Stephen-Smith also noted that the government has already committed to hiring an additional 200 nurses and 100 doctors over the next two years to alleviate workload pressures. However, ASMOF argues that these measures are insufficient and too slow to implement.
Potential impact on hospitals
If the vote passes, industrial action could begin as early as next month, potentially affecting services at Canberra Hospital, Calvary Hospital, and other public health facilities. Patients may face longer wait times for elective surgeries and outpatient appointments, though emergency departments will remain fully staffed.
The union has called for an independent review of the health system’s workload and staffing levels, which the government has not yet agreed to. ASMOF warns that without meaningful change, the ACT risks losing more doctors to other states or the private sector.
Next steps
The voting period will close on March 25, with results expected shortly after. If a majority of members support industrial action, ASMOF will notify ACT Health of the specific measures to be taken. Both parties have indicated a willingness to return to the negotiating table, but significant differences remain.
This development comes amid a nationwide shortage of healthcare workers, with many states offering incentives to attract and retain staff. The outcome of the vote could set a precedent for other public sector unions in the ACT considering similar action.
