New Health and Aged Care Ministers
The AMA welcomes the announcement of the Government's new Health Minister and Aged Care Minister, AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said from New Zealand today.
Dr Phelps said the AMA is keen to start a positive and productive working relationship with both Ministers at the earliest possible opportunity.
"While neither Senator Kay Patterson nor Mr Kevin Andrews featured in Ministerial speculation for these portfolios, they have combined Parliamentary experience of 24 years which will have prepared them for the demands of two vitally important and controversial social policy areas," Dr Phelps said.
"We hope that fresh faces mean a fresh approach.
"Senator Patterson has experience of health policy at committee level and as Parliamentary Secretary to a former Shadow Health Minister, so she is across the major health issues.
"The AMA will want to discuss a broad range of issues including public hospital funding, the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), medical indemnity and privacy.
"We hope, too, that the Minister will promote a better and more cooperative relationship between her Department and the AMA.
"Mr Andrews is moving into one of the more contentious policy areas in the Australian community with aged care, and we wish him well.
"Again, the AMA has many views on aged care that we will convey to the new Minister," Dr Phelps said.
Dr Phelps said the AMA would immediately seek meetings with the new Ministers.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761