An overdue overhaul of mental health reporting laws for the medical profession

There is strong evidence to suggest that medical practitioners are at a greater risk of mental illness and stress-related problems, but right now there are mandatory reporting laws in every state of Australia except Western Australia that are inhibiting doctors and other health professionals from seeking assistance for mental health issues for fear of being banned from practising medicine. However after a COAG Health Council meeting in Sydney last Friday, it looks as though these laws are about to change. Dr Tony Bartone, Vice President of the Australian Medical Association, joined us on 2ser Breakfast to tell us more.