Federal LNP Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott and Federal LNP Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch have welcomed a full Parliamentary Inquiry into the registration process of overseas trained doctors.
Mr Scott said the establishment of the inquiry was a direct result of a Private Member’s Motion put forward last month by him and seconded by Mr Entsch. The motion followed widespread community unrest in the nation over the mistreatment of many overseas trained doctors.
“After receiving a number of calls from doctors who were concerned that they were being treated unfairly by the medical fraternity, we decided to take action through the Parliament, calling for an inquiry into the registration process and the support measures for overseas-trained doctors,
“Overseas trained doctors play a valuable role in my rural electorate of Maranoa and many other electorates such as Leichhardt. This inquiry will allow us to shine a spotlight on what needs to be done to give them the support they need to practice independently in rural communities, where it is often difficult to attract Australian trained doctors,” Mr Scott said.
Mr Entsch said through the inquiry individuals will be summoned to give evidence on specific situations that have occurred throughout Australia.
“This is a chance for the real facts to be put on the table and for justice to be served for the many who feel they have been wrongly treated. The inquiry will not give fear nor favour to any one group, but will be an open and transparent process where members of the public will be encouraged to take part. The inquiry also means those charged with the responsibility of examining these doctors and deciding outcomes will be asked the rigorous questions that deserve to be asked,” Mr Entsch said.
Mr Scott and Mr Entsch encouraged all stakeholders, both in the medical fraternity and outside it, to make a submission to the inquiry before the closing date of Friday, 4 February 2011.
Information on the inquiry, the terms of reference and advice on how to make a submission can be accessed at http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/haa/overseasdoctors/index.htm
