AMAQ president Maria Boulton to leave role, search for successor under way

The president of the Australian Medical Association Queensland will step down from the role, with nominations for her successor closing on Monday.

One of the state’s staunchest advocates for accessible healthcare will leave her powerful role, with nominations for her successor closing on Monday.

Maria Boulton will step down as Queensland president of the Australian Medical Association after two years of advocacy work, including through the turbulence of the pandemic.

Dr Boulton has successfully led many campaigns on behalf of the AMA’s almost 10,000 member doctors, including against the state payroll tax on GPs – which she said was “an immoral tax on patients”.

Maria Boulton has taken on a high-profile in Queensland as the local president of the AMA. Picture: Supplied

The AMA also has lobbied for greater incentives for more interstate and international doctors to move to regional Queensland, free vaccinations against meningococcal B disease, and the $16.5m expansion of Robina Hospital’s emergency department.

Issues around vaping, drug law reform and ramping have been tackled, and genetic testing for newborns widened to include Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Severe Combined Immunodeficiency.

Dr Boulton, a Brisbane GP with three practices and a fourth opening in Kedron soon, said although she could not contest for a further annual term due to regulations, she would remain passionate about affordable healthcare.

“We don’t want Australia to end up like other counties, such as the US, with a two-tier system where only the rich can get the best care,” she said.

“Although I’ll soon be the immediate past president, I will still have a role in council and belong to some committees in AMA federal – I’m certainly not done yet.”

The Courier-Mail understands current vice-president Dr Nick Yim is a favourite to replace Dr Boulton in May.