New Shadow Health and Aged Care Ministers
The AMA looks forward to working with the Opposition's new Shadow Health and Aged Care Ministers, AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today.
Dr Phelps said she hopes Shadow Health and Ageing Minister, Stephen Smith, and Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors, Anthony Albanese, bring fresh ideas and plenty of enthusiasm to their new shadow portfolios.
"Mr Smith has considerable experience as a Shadow Minister for Trade, Resources and Communications since entering Parliament, and this experience will help greatly when dealing with the many challenges in the Australian health system," Dr Phelps said.
"As a Parliamentary Secretary for the last few years, Mr Albanese's work with elderly Australians will have prepared him for the demands of planning for Australia's ageing population.
"The AMA will seek to meet with both Shadow Ministers before Christmas if possible.
"We will present the AMA's position on all the major health and aged care issues, particularly public hospital funding, the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), medical indemnity, privacy, and better care for elderly Australians," Dr Phelps said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076