Michael Wooldridge Leaving Politics
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today she was surprised by Health Minister Dr Michael Wooldridge's decision to retire from politics at this year's election.
Dr Phelps said the working relationship between the Minister and the AMA had been cordial and productive in recent times.
"It is true that Dr Wooldridge and I have had our differences, but over the last couple of months we have worked pretty well together," Dr Phelps said.
"Last week's announcement of an independent inquiry into the effect of the Trade Practices Act on country doctors is evidence of this cooperation.
"The AMA has supported the Minister on things like diabetes and immunisation programs and the private health rebate, and we have had our differences, most notably over the Relative Value Study, the level of Medicare rebates, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
"It is the AMA's job to keep Health Ministers informed of what is best for Medicare and the health system.
"Dr Wooldridge is to remain Health Minister until the election, so the AMA will continue lobbying him for the best possible health policy outcomes for Medicare, for public hospitals, for aged care, and for doctors and their patients.
"The AMA has released its health policy blueprint for this election.
"Dr Wooldridge's perfect farewell gift to the medical profession and the patients of Australia would be to reproduce our Key Health Issues for the 2001 Election document as Coalition health policy for the 2001 election," Dr Phelps said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076