National Doctors Survey Confirms Widespread Dysfunction


The Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF) has received alarming findings from the National Doctors Survey 2025, revealing widespread dysfunction in Australia's public hospital system. The survey responses were analysed by Professor Steve Robson at the Australian National University’s National Centre for Health Workforce Studies. A copy of Professor Robson’s Report is available HERE    .

The survey highlights critical issues that threaten patient safety, workforce sustainability, and the integrity of healthcare delivery. These findings echo and reinforce the recommendations made in ASMOF NSW's submission to the Special Commission of Inquiry into Healthcare Funding in NSW.

Key Findings from the National Doctors Survey 2025:

  • Disrespect and Disconnect: Only 25% of doctors reported being treated with respect by hospital administrators, with specialty trainees—the future of the medical workforce—experiencing the highest levels of disrespect.
  • Lack of Understanding: More than two-thirds of respondents felt hospital administrators lacked understanding of doctors' frontline clinical work, including burnout, long shifts, and the mental toll of their roles.
  • Budget Mismanagement: Only 5% of doctors believed hospital budgets were managed in line with clinical needs, with many reporting chronic underfunding and misaligned resource allocation.
  • Fear of Retribution: A staggering 75% of doctors felt uncomfortable reporting safety or workplace concerns due to fears of retribution, including bullying, intimidation, and punitive actions such as unfavourable shifts or lower performance evaluations.

Key Recommendations from the National Doctors Survey:

  1. State and territory health departments must ensure doctors can report workplace hazards and patient safety concerns without fear of victimization or retribution.
  2. Specialty trainees must be treated as a precious resource, with workplace pressures and hazards addressed expeditiously.
  3. Doctors must be involved in decisions regarding resource allocation to ensure efficiency and focus on patient care.
  4. Hospital administrators must engage with clinicians to evaluate and improve workplace conditions.
  5. Regular surveys and evaluations should ensure positive change and accountability.