Doorstop AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, Brisbane - Appointment of Tony Abbott as the Howard Government's new Minister for Health

GLASSON:      Good morning ladies and gentlemen. The appointment of Tony Abbott this morning as the new Health Minister - the AMA would like to welcome.

We recognise that Tony Abbott is first of all the trusted confidante of the Prime Minister and certainly a spear-carrier for the Prime Minister.

I suppose it acknowledges the fact that health will be the major issue that we're going to confront at the next election, and certainly unless health is sorted out, especially from the point of view of the indemnity and the impact that is having on the Australian work force, Australian medical work force, and the implications obviously on the shortly?

GLASSON:      Well I just spoke with my CEO in Canberra now and I will send a letter on to Tony today congratulating him on his appointment and trying to organise a meeting with him within the next week.

Thank you very much.

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