A Modern, Equitable Negotiation Process Is Needed
The President of General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA), Dr Melanie Smith today said that GPRA is seeking a better way of understanding and modernising the arrangements under which GP registrars take their journey toward independent general practice.
“Prior to the commencement of the NTCER 2018 negotiations, GPRA raised concerns about the negotiation process, especially in relation to its truncated nature, the need to access and utilise relevant data and statistics, and the need for a collaborative, ongoing bargaining and review process,” said Dr Smith.
“While our concerns were not resolved, GPRA proceeded to participate in the 2018 negotiations to review issues raised by registrars and to seek to address areas of ambiguity in the NTCER document.”
“Of particular concern were arrangements in rural and remote areas,” she said.
“We felt that it was important to have a better understanding of the various dimensions of the obligations and responsibilities allocated to registrars and we were completely open to reviewing problems and difficulties for training practices.”
“The negotiation process does not integrate acquisition and sharing of data and information to fully evaluate issues and that is a major weakness that we all have an obligation to address,” she said.
“Consequently, the GPRA Board has determined there is no value in continuing with the 2017-2018 NTCER negotiations,” she said.
“Our withdrawal draws attention to the need to replace the NTCER with a more holistic approach to addressing critical issues facing general practice, especially in rural and remote areas, and contributing to a sustainable profession.”
“GPRA will continue to provide advice to registrars concerning employment contracts and will now begin the process of taking the lead to develop a more modern, relevant and practical replacement for the NTCER,” said Dr Smith.
ENDS
Inquiries:
General Practice Registrars Australia
enquiries@gpra.org.au or 03 9629 8878