MEDIA RELEASE

18 JUNE 2026

AMA Queensland advocacy achieves 12-month pause on assignment of Medicare benefit changes

AMA Queensland has welcomed a pause on assignment of Medicare benefit changes which had been set to commence on 1 July. 

AMA Queensland representatives raised concerns about the changes with federal Health Minister Mark Butler at a government roundtable in Brisbane on Wednesday 17 June.

“For many years doctors and patients have used verbal consent to manage how applicable Medicare rebates would be assigned,” President Associate Professor Erica Gannon said.

“Requiring electronic consent from 1 July did not allow medical practices enough time to implement new systems, leading to likely confusion for patients.

“This change looks set to provide a 12-month transition period for the cessation of verbal consent and bring forward enduring consents for vulnerable patients from 1 July.” 

AMA Queensland representatives also raised other issues with the changes, particularly for patients without digital access. 

“This is a sensible decision that will reduce pressure and a sudden increase in red tape on practices,” Associate Professor Gannon said.

“We will continue liaising with the department and Minister to reduce the burden of these changes on AMA Queensland members.”  

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