AMA Will Work Closely With Gillard - Glasson
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, said today that the AMA is keen to resume its close working relationship with Shadow Health Minister, Julia Gillard.
Dr Glasson said the AMA would continue to comment on health policies and issues in a fair and non-partisan way as it had done for the past three years and throughout the election campaign.
"I said before the election that Australians were lucky to have Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott battling it out in the vital health portfolio and we are doubly lucky to have them both back," Dr Glasson said.
"The Punch and Judy Show continues.
"Julia and Labor put out some good policies during the election campaign and I will encourage the Government to pinch them if possible.
"While the AMA was critical of Labor's Medicare Gold policy, we welcomed the attempt to address one of the major health and social issues facing the Australian community - and that is the care of our ageing population.
"There is a lot of work to be done to build a health system that will go the distance to serve the next generation of Australians.
"That task is in good hands with Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott back for a few more rounds on health policy," Dr Glasson said.
Dr Glasson said he is delighted that his fellow Queenslander, Senator Jan McLucas, has been given the Shadow Ageing and Disabilities portfolio.
"Jan McLucas is a traditional grassroots politician who will work tirelessly for older Australians and people with disabilities," Dr Glasson said.
26 October 2004
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