Last month, the federal AMA claimed it had been given a vote of confidence by members, after a vote at its AGM in favour of proposed constitutional changes.

Note that it was not by referendum, but at its AGM.

The change will allow AMA Tasmania to merge formally with the federal AMA, shoring up the future of the state branch, which had warned its viability was in doubt, having just four staff to support its members.

But it also means the federal AMA can now open branches in other states. Effectively, it can supplant the existing branches.