Dr Ian Garner, AFOEM Representative on the Workcover Tasmania, Medical Advisory Panel (MAP)
Dr Gardner was appointed as the AFOEM representative on the Medical Advisory Panel (MAP) in February 2025. The MAP is one of two specialist health advisory committees to the Workcover Tasmania Board. The other is the Rehabilitation Advisory Panel (RAP). Both are chaired by Workcover Tasmania Board Members.
Dr Ian Gardner reflects on his experience:
In the case of the MAP (of which I am the RACP representative), Chair is Dr Rob Walters, a very well-known Tasmanian GP and a Workcover Board Member since 1999. Of special interest to AFOEM members is that the current RACGP representative is Dr Megan Baker, who works with SonicHealthPlus – and is now commencing her occupational and environmental medicine training.
Since my appointment to the MAP in late April 2025, there have been two meetings. One of the interesting facts from the first meeting was that nurse practitioners in Tasmania are now able to treat and sign Workcover Certificates for injured workers. Another issue is that there are a lot of GP locums in Tasmania, and many of them do not understand how the Tasmanian Workcover system works. There are also currently two different versions of the Tasmanian Workcover Certificate of Capacity in use – and both are currently acceptable. However, the February 2024 version (with updates) will eventually be the only one used.
Other issues covered include the current funding position of Workcover; issues to do with Engineered Stone; special advisory and claims assistance programs for Emergency Services; the current Workcover Mental Health Framework etc. From an AFOEM perspective, it was good to see the system-wide adoption of the “It Pays to Care” framework, and an ongoing commitment to try yet again to get national uniformity in the currently differing paperwork required by injured workers under every state and territory jurisdiction. With workers frequently working in multiple states, lots of fly-in and fly-out doctors and locums, and with many employers having operations in multiple states, it would make the filing of a Workers Compensation claim and the ongoing treatment/rehabilitation of injured workers much easier. Also greatly appreciated by Tasmanian Workcover was the previous specialist advice given by Dr Mary Wyatt and Dr Peter Sharman (my predecessor).
The second meeting specifically looked at all the varying state/territory and commonwealth “Certificates of Capacity” and considered the detailed findings and recommendations of an external HMA Evaluation Report into these issues.
The next meeting of the Tasmanian Workcover MAP is planned for September 2025. I would welcome relevant comments, issues, and feedback from AFOEM members prior to this meeting via afoem@racp.edu.au.
Dr Jane Muir, AFOEM Representative on the TSANZ Spirometry Expert Working Group
Dr Muir was appointed as the AFOEM representative on the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) Spirometry Expert Working Group in November 2024. We asked her to tell us about it.
Dr Jane Muir shares her experience:
As part of a broader suite of national activities to improve the management of silicosis, TSANZ is leading efforts to increase the uptake of high-quality spirometry in primary healthcare. This work supports implementation of the all of governments’ response to the National Dust Disease Taskforce final report (April 2022), particularly Recommendation 5, which calls for improved education, training, and support for healthcare professionals, with existing Australian spirometry standards focused primarily on the resource sector.
Since November 2024, a SME group made up of 11 representatives from key organisations and professional groups and including myself, has met monthly to shape the approach, content, and direction of new primary health care spirometry standards. Through extensive discussion and review of existing standards, evidence, and barriers to spirometry use, we have developed a draft to reflect current needs and promote best practice, aiming to promote consistent, high-quality spirometry services across a range of clinical settings. It addresses long-standing variability in access, quality, and training in spirometry and provides clear, evidence-informed guidance for practice.
The draft standard is currently out for review and feedback with stakeholders. This consultation represents a vital step to ensure the final document is practical and fit-for-purpose across primary health care settings. This standard will form part of a wider initiative to strengthen spirometry practice in primary care, which also includes:
1. A Competency Framework and Accreditation Guidelines – due January 2026
2. A National Implementation Roadmap – scheduled for release June 2026.
AFOEM Ferguson-Glass Oration at ANZSOM 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM)
Professor Ewan Macdonald CBE will be delivering the Ferguson-Glass Oration, “Workplaces in transition – the future for occupational health” at the ANZSOM 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM). Professor Macdonald will also join other sessions on behalf of AFOEM.
AFOEM Annual Training Meeting 2026
Save the date! The 2026 Annual Training Meeting (ATM) will be in Melbourne from 15 to 17 May, with site visits on Friday, 15 May. A big thank you to Jo Slesenger, Peter Sharman, and all those involved in the planning. In 2027, the ATM is heading to Perth – stay tuned for more information as planning develops.
2025 Kevin Sleigh Memorial Lecture
The 7th annual Kevin Sleigh Memorial Lecture was held virtually and at the Melbourne office on Monday, 25 August. This year's session featured Professor Rosemary Nixon as the guest speaker, who delivered an informative and insightful presentation on occupational dermatitis. The event was proudly co-hosted with ANZSOM and WorkSafe Victoria, continuing our tradition of collaborative knowledge sharing.
AFOEM Annual Conversation Template
The template is specifically designed to support occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) physicians and align with the scope of practice of OEM. It guides physicians to consider aspects of practice and competencies supported by AFOEM. Physicians can claim Category 2 CPD points for annual conversations.
Research Supervision: Free Online Courses for AFOEM Supervisors
Are you a supervisor or interested in becoming one? A trainee’s experience can be greatly enhanced by a supportive and informed supervisor. The Research Supervision online course helps supervisors who want an update on research project requirements and the research process in general.
National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry (NORDR)
Congratulations to Professor David Currow, Professor Tim Driscoll, Dr Ryan Hoy, Dr Catherine Kelaher, Dr Jane Muir and Professor Deborah Yates who have been appointed to the National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry (NORDR). The registry collects data on work-related respiratory illnesses to inform prevention and policy. For more background, visit the RACP silicosis webpage.
New AFOEM Curriculum
Starting in 2026, first year trainees will be enrolled in the new OEM curriculum with revised entry criteria. The new curriculum was developed with invaluable input from the Curriculum Review Group and the AFOEM Training and Education Committees. We thank them for their time, effort and expertise in supporting the training of our future physicians.
Closing Soon
AFOEM Essay Prize: open to medical students or interns in their first year after graduation. Closes: Friday, 31 October 2025.
AFOEM contact details
AFOEM Faculty enquiries (including Council and committees):
Jane Konjevic
AFOEM Executive Officer
Email: afoem@racp.edu.au
Aotearoa NZ AFOEM office:
Email: AoNZ_AFRM@racp.org.nz
AFOEM Education and Training enquiries:
Education Officer
Email: occenvmed@racp.edu.au
AFOEM Examination enquiries:
Examination Coordinator, Assessment and Selection Unit
Email: examinations@racp.edu.au
AFOEM training site accreditation enquiries:
Site Accreditation Unit
Email: accreditation@racp.edu.au
AFOEM CPD enquiries:
Email: mycpd@racp.edu.au