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AMA Victoria’s Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff (GROSS) campaign has reached a major milestone: more than 1000 signatures on our petition to cut low-value, morale-sapping bureaucracy from the Victorian health system.

This reflects the strength of feeling across the profession - and growing momentum behind our call to remove pointless processes that waste clinicians’ time and undermine care.

To every member who has signed, contributed suggestions or shared experiences: thank you. Your input is shaping our advocacy and driving real conversations with decision-makers. Together, we’re working to restore time, trust and purpose to Victorian healthcare.
 

Achievements so far

Since launching the campaign, AMA Victoria has secured direct access to decision-makers and built momentum for reform. We’ve met with Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and senior figures in the Department of Health and Safer Care Victoria to propose specific, practical ways to cut red tape and return time to clinicians.

The Department has acknowledged the issues and is actively reviewing our proposals. While formal commitments are still pending, engagement is ongoing and constructive.

Backed by strong member input, we’ve presented clear, credible examples- such as duplicated WWCCs and repetitive mandatory training - that show how bureaucracy is eroding care and clinician morale.

Both issues are now under targeted review, with follow-up underway and even Ahpra offering to support efforts to reduce regulatory Victorian bureaucratic duplication.
 

Current focus areas

1. Working With Children Checks (WWCC)

A clear example of unnecessary duplication is Victoria’s requirement for Ahpra-registered medical practitioners to obtain separate Working With Children Checks - even though their national registration already includes comprehensive regulatory oversight.

Queensland does not impose this additional step. We believe Victoria should align with that approach to eliminate redundant compliance that adds no public safety benefit.

Following our advocacy, Ahpra has confirmed it is willing to meet with Victorian government representatives to explain how the national framework may already offer sufficient assurance. As Ahpra put it:

“We recognise the potential for duplicative regulation and can understand why the AMA would be seeking an exemption from the Victorian government.”

We’re urging the Victorian Government to take up Ahpra’s offer of dialogue. Removing this requirement would be a practical and morale-boosting win for the medical workforce - and a clear example of red tape reduction done right.
 

2. Duplicative and low value training (e.g., BLS & ALS)

The GROSS campaign began by highlighting the burden of duplicated training for doctors working across multiple health services - forced to complete near-identical modules at each site.

We’re now also targeting low-value training requirements imposed on highly qualified specialists. Many health services still mandate Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) for FACEMs, FANZCAs, and FCICMs - these clinicians already meeting rigorous CPD obligations and maintaining high-level clinical competence.

This blanket approach offers little value, pulls senior doctors away from care, and contradicts both the Clinical Governance Standard and Pillar 3 of the Victorian Health Workforce Strategy.

We’re calling for a commonsense shift. BLS, ALS, and similar modules should be optional - not mandatory - for specialists whose qualifications already exceed the standard. Scrapping this duplication would reduce frustration, restore time and improve care.
 

Next steps

We continue to welcome your suggestions for further low-value training modules or redundant processes that should be reviewed. Your voice and participation are crucial as we continue pushing for a more efficient healthcare system in Victoria.

Thank you again for your strong support of the GROSS initiative. together, we’re making the case - and the space - for doctors to focus on what matters most.
 

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