AMA keen to get to work with new Abbott Ministry
AMA Vice President, Professor Geoffrey Dobb, today welcomed the appointment of Peter Dutton as Minister for Health, and said the AMA is keen to get to work with all the Ministers and Assistant Ministers with responsibilities across the health sector.
Professor Dobb said that the AMA enjoyed a constructive working relationship with Mr Dutton when he was Shadow Minister and will build on that relationship to help deliver better health services for all Australians.
“The new Government has been very clear about its focus on primary health care and the leadership role of general practice,” Professor Dobb said.
“We welcome the commitment to get rid of waste and bureaucracy and cut red tape in the health system, and we look forward to working with the Government on its review of Medicare Locals with a view to providing greater direct support to frontline services.
“It is appropriate that Mr Dutton has carriage of mental health at Cabinet level, and there are positives in having the Health Minister also the Minister for Sport.”
Professor Dobb said the AMA is encouraged by the appointment of experienced people as Ministers with responsibilities in other areas of the health system.
“Minister for Social Services, Kevin Andrews, will be in charge of the administration of aged care, Senator Nigel Scullion is the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Michael Ronaldson is Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator Marise Payne is the Minister for Human Services, and the Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield, has responsibility for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
“The Assistant Minister for Health, Senator Fiona Nash, is the Deputy Leader of the Nationals in the Senate and has a strong personal interest in rural health.
“The AMA will meet with all members of the Government’s health team at the earliest opportunity,” Professor Dobb said.
16 September 2013
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