This article was updated on 15 and 16 May with additional commentary from Charles Maskell-Knight PSM, Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Australian Dental Association, National Rural Health Alliance, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, Australian College of Nursing, Australian Medical Association, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Advanced Pharmacy Australia, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Pharmacy Guild, Catholic Health Australia, Exercise & Sports Science Australia, Community Mental Health Australia, Speech Pathology Australia and Dietitians Australia, COTA Australia, Ageing Australia, Older Persons Advocacy Network, and Medicines Australia.
In short, there generally is a sense of relief that Mark Butler has been returned to the portfolio rather than having a new Minister not familiar with the raft of reform processes underway and the complexity of managing the diverse stakeholder interests.
However, there is more to be said about some of the changes, while also noting the loss from the portfolio of Ged Kearney, notwithstanding the importance of her new role for health as Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence.
The perspectives of the Indigenous health sector and climate health advocates are especially significant in the reshuffle, given Kearney’s previous carriage of these areas in the portfolio.
Pat Turner, CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), said this week that “Closing the Gap is every Minister’s responsibility, not just Malarndirri McCarthy’s, it belongs to every Minister in the federal cabinet”.
Her comments have a wider resonance, with so much of our health shaped by decisions in portfolios beyond Minister Butler’s.
The post below also includes analysis on the pros and cons of the new super-Ministry, which covers Health, Ageing, Disability and the NDIS, with Charles Maskell-Knight suggesting that all of the new Ministers and Assistant Ministers “have their work cut out to deliver on the Government’s agenda”.
Details of Ministry
The second Albanese Ministry has been announced, with some changes of note for Croakey readers – see full details here.
In Cabinet:
Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing, and now also Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy remains as Minister for Indigenous Australians
In the outer Ministry:
Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Senator Dr Jess Walsh, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Minister for Youth
Sam Rae, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors
Ged Kearney has moved from the Health and Aged Care portfolio to become Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence.
Emma McBride is Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health
Rebecca White, former Tasmanian Opposition Leader, becomes Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, and Assistant Minister for Women.
Special envoys include:
Dan Repacholi, Special Envoy for Men’s Health
Marion Scrymgour, Special Envoy for Remote Communities
Kate Thwaites MP, Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience
Pros and cons
Asked about the new super-Ministry, health policy analyst Charles Maskell-Knight PSM said:
“On the upside there are many opportunities for shared policy approaches to aged care and disability care (for example, common workforce standards and even registration, common approaches to restrictive practices), which a shared portfolio will assist.
“On the downside, the NDIS could easily take up all of a Minister’s bandwidth, as could teething problems with the new aged care system. And then there is the ongoing health reform agenda, which should also be a full-time job.
“Minister Butler is highly experienced and well across the health issues, but does not appear to have had much involvement in aged care.
“Minister Rae has no prior executive experience and no obvious background in aged care, and could easily be snowed by the Department.
“Minister McAllister has some limited executive experience.
“They will all have their work cut out to deliver on the Government’s agenda.”
Sector responses
Time for action
Consumers Health Forum of Australia
“CHF warmly welcomes the appointment of all returning and new Ministers for the Albanese Government’s second term,” said CHF CEO Dr Elizabeth Deveny.
Dr Deveny said that the Government took a full suite of health election promises to the last election and have now been granted a mandate from the Australian people to get on with the job of implementing the reform and investment the health system needs.
“It was obvious from the election campaign just how cherished our Medicare system is by Australians. The Strengthening Medicare election promises the Government made in the last few months, including making it easier and cheaper to see your GP and cheaper medicines, have been warmly embraced by Australian healthcare consumers.
“Consumers now want to see these promises fully implemented and for their healthcare access and affordability to improve,” said Dr Deveny.
The substantial healthcare investments and reforms the Government has said it will do in this term of parliament can significantly improve the health of Australians.
Therefore, it is essential that consumers are deeply engaged at all stages of this work to ensure that the investment and reforms are meeting the needs of Australians. CHF stands ready to work with the Albanese Government’s Ministerial health team to ensure this happens.
Dr Deveny noted the significance of Dan Repacholi MP as Special Envoy for Men’s Health.
“Encouraging more Australian men to do what they can to improve their physical and mental health is something our country needs. A key way to achieve this is through preventative health measures which empower and don’t frighten men to become more involved in their own health. We look forward to working with Mr Repacholi in his special envoy role,” said Dr Deveny.
Oral health focus
Australian Dental Association
ADA President Dr Chris Sanzaro said the vote was a national endorsement of the government’s commitment to accessible, affordable health for all Australians.
In particular, the ADA seeks constructive engagement with the government on:
the development of the National Oral Health Plan,
the enhanced delivery of the Child Dental Benefits Schedule and
and building on the successful trial* of a Seniors Dental Benefits Schedule.
During the campaign the ADA released data showing the long-term costs to health of poor oral health, including the impact on hospitalisations of older Australians.
It also supported a senior’s dental trial which showed early intervention delivers real benefits to both the public and the national bottom line.
“With a solid evidence base to build from, I’m optimistic we can have a positive engagement with the new government and other stakeholders to scale these programs,” Dr Sanzaro said.
Rural lens needed
National Rural Health Alliance
“We stand ready to continue our strong collaboration with Minister Butler, Assistant Minister McBride as well as other Ministers and Assistant Ministers to advance rural health reform across Australia,” said NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen.
“We acknowledge Assistant Minister Rebecca White’s long-standing association with rural communities and look forward to working with her.”
NRHA continues our calls on the government to implement a National Rural Health Strategy to coordinate Commonwealth, State, and Territory investment in health, aged care, and disability service delivery for rural Australia. This Strategy must recognise the complexities in delivering equitable access to healthcare in rural and remote communities.
“There needs to be a greater rural lens when health programs are implemented since rural, regional and remote communities need different models of care. Current approaches are not delivering coordinated, transparent or sustained solutions,” said Ms Tegen.
“This returned Labor government can now act on the recommendations of key reviews undertaken in the last term of government. This includes the comprehensive Scope of Practice Review which looked at health professions and how to make the most of their skills and expertise.
“Many of the recommendations in this review pointed to the need for flexible, place-based, block funding, which will support rural and remote general practices and multidisciplinary team-based models to improve the quality of care and help treat chronic and complex conditions.
Almost one-third of the Australian population lives and works in rural and remote Australia. They contribute significantly to the economy despite receiving $848 less per person per year in healthcare funding compared to their urban counterparts. This gap results in poorer health outcomes and earlier death due to reduced access to healthcare services.
Whole-of-government approach needed
NACCHO
The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) congratulates Senator, the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy on her continued leadership as Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Mark Butler MP on his appointment as Minister for Health and Ageing and and his additional responsibility as Minister for Disability and the NDIS, the Hon Emma McBride MP on her reappointment as Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health, and the Hon Rebecca White MP on her new federal roles as Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, and Assistant Minister for Women. Additionally, we congratulate the Hon Marion Scrymgour MP on her appointment as Special Envoy for Remote Communities.
These ministerial appointments come at a crucial time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and NACCHO looks forward to enhanced collaboration with the Australian Government to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Pat Turner AM, CEO of NACCHO, said:
“NACCHO congratulates all Ministers on their appointments and looks forward to collaborating closely on policies and initiatives that directly benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As Prime Minister Albanese has emphasised, ‘We will be a government that supports reconciliation with First Nations people, because we will be a stronger nation when we close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.’ NACCHO remains committed to working in partnership with the government to ensure health programs and services effectively meet the needs and aspirations of our communities.”
Ms Turner added, “Closing the Gap requires a united, whole-of-government approach, and these appointments represent an encouraging step toward achieving meaningful, sustainable improvements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.”
First Nations medical workforce matters
Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association
The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) congratulates the Hon Mark Butler MP on his reappointment as the Minister for Health and Ageing, and Senator Malarndirri McCarthy on her continuing as the Minister for Indigenous Australians.
AIDA President, Dr Jonathan Newchurch, welcomed the reappointment of the Yanyuwa Garrawa woman into the Indigenous affairs portfolio, where she is well placed to continue to champion investments in health, education and jobs for First Nations people.
He also congratulated Northern Territory MP, Marion Scrymgour, who’s been appointed as Special Envoy for Remote Communities.
With the new ministry unveiled, Dr Newchurch is now looking forward to building on AIDA’s engagement with Minister Butler to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
“AIDA is ready to work with the new government to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors are not only increasing in numbers but thriving in the health system to ensure best outcomes in Indigenous health,” said Dr Jonathan Newchurch.
“As the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors and medical students, we will also continue to advocate for a culturally safe Australian healthcare system, free from racism, and with accountability measures in place to protect our Communities.”
Dr Newchurch urged Minister Butler to strengthen the support and incentivise the growth of the First Nations medical workforce for the benefit of all Australians.
Address the rural health gap
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) looks forward to working together to prioritise real investment in rural, remote, and First Nations healthcare.
ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin said the College would continue to work with the Minister and his team to deliver much needed improvements in healthcare outcomes for Australians living in rural and remote communities.
“We are looking forward to working closely with Minister Mark Butler to deliver on the new government’s promises and to take action to address the rural health gap,” Dr Martin says.
“Investment is critical to ensure communities are not left without essential services.”
Dr Martin says that a focus on a sustainable Rural Generalist (RG) workforce was crucial in ensuring rural and remote Australians receive the same healthcare as their city counterparts.
“Rural Generalists are distinctly skilled to deliver exceptional care in rural and remote communities, but strategic funding is essential to expand and support this vital workforce.”
“ACRRM has a clear plan to strengthen the RG workforce and enhance healthcare outcomes.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with the ministerial health team to deliver real change for Australians in rural, remote, and First Nations communities.”
Accelerate reform agenda
Australian College of Nursing
ACN CEO, Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz FACN, said the continuity in the leadership of the health portfolio, with Mark Butler remaining as Health Minister, provides an important opportunity to accelerate the health reform agenda that began during the government’s first term.
“The Australian College of Nursing congratulates Prime Minister Albanese and his team on their re-election, and we are particularly pleased to see Minister Butler returned to the health portfolio,” said Adjunct Professor Zeitz.
“He demonstrated his commitment to meaningful health reform during the government’s first term, and his reappointment signals the opportunity to build on this important work and drive the implementation of crucial reforms that will strengthen our healthcare system.”
Adjunct Professor Zeitz said, with a strong electoral mandate, it is now time to fast-track implementation of key initiatives, particularly the recommendations from the Unleashing the Potential of our Health Workforce – Scope of Practice Review (the Cormack Review).
“The time to restructure the health system for the future is now. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to truly reform Medicare and the health system to ensure access to affordable, quality health services for generations to come,” she said.
“As part of the implementation of the Cormack Review recommendations, we want to see specific funding for innovative nurse-led models of care.
“We look forward to the release of the National Nursing Workforce Strategy, due this term, with comprehensive measures to address nursing workforce shortages.
“The Albanese Government has the blueprints for action including through the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce, the impending National Nursing Workforce Strategy, and the Scope of Practice Review.
“With key Ministers returning to their portfolios, we look forward to seeing these plans translated into significant reform.
“ACN is ready to collaborate with the health and ageing portfolio Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and Special Envoy, old and new, and indeed all parliamentarians, to support nurse-led solutions to the challenges facing our health system.Nurses are the solution – in all health settings and in all locations across Australia.”
National reform priorities
Australian Medical Association
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen welcomed Minister Butler’s reappointment, acknowledging his experience and knowledge in the portfolio.
“The election has been run and won and now it’s time to get down to real health reforms,” Dr McMullen said.
“We have a very constructive relationship with Minister Butler and we will continue working with him on meaningful reform in general practice, public hospitals, private health and for innovative polices to help all Australians, no matter where they live, to access good healthcare.”
Dr McMullen urged the Minister to expedite a new National Health Reform Agreement to lift Australia’s hospitals out of the logjam crisis – with ambulance ramping continuing, emergency departments at capacity and long waits for essential surgery.
“While there were some commitments to hospital funding during the election campaign with different states, and short-term funding before the election, this government will need to urgently address the crisis in hospitals by expediting a new National Health Reform Agreement.”
Dr McMullen welcomed the additional $8.5 billion investment in general practice, including extra support for patients through expansion of bulk-billing incentives that will help some of our most vulnerable patients and said the AMA will work with the government to implement its changes.
“But we need to future proof our health system and look at what Australian patients need, which is more time with their GPs,” she said.
“Our Medicare rebate system is not structured in a way that supports GPs to provide that time.
“Through our Modernise Medicare campaign we have proposed a new seven-tier GP consultation item structure designed to meet the challenges of the growing burden of complex and chronic disease.
“The AMA is also keen to expand access to nursing and allied health services within general practice and will continue to advocate for more funding to support the Workforce Incentive Program as part of efforts to improve access to high quality and well-coordinated care for patients.”
Implement election promises
Royal Australian College of GPs
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright welcomed the opportunity to continue collaborating with Mr Butler as Minister for Health and Ageing to ensure everyone in Australia can access affordable general practice care, and in his new role as Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Dr Wright said: “Every year, 22 million Australians see a GP for their essential healthcare, making GPs the most accessed health professional in the country.
“Investing in general practice is the most cost-effective way to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australian communities, and we look forward to working with the Albanese Government who have made healthcare their top priority during the election campaign.
“The Government’s $8.5 billion commitment to increased Medicare funding and growing the GP workforce helps restore funding lost from general practice as the result of the Medicare freeze. This shows the Government’s commitment to general practice and the health and wellbeing of our communities.
“We look forward to working with Minister Butler and the Albanese Government to implement their election promises, including training more specialist GPs, and reshaping Medicare.
“There is no substitute for the high-quality care you get from a specialist GP who knows you and your history. We want all Australians to have affordable access to GP care, no matter where they live.”
Bold action needed
Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha)
AdPha Chief Executive Kristin Michaels looks forward to continuing its strong productive relationship with the Labor Health Ministry to further strengthen Australia’s healthcare system.
‘We look forward to working with the team to lead the critical work of improving equitable access to medicines and pharmacy care for all Australians across our diverse healthcare system.
‘I’d also like to sincerely thank outgoing Assistant Minister Ged Kearney for her leadership and, in particular, her instrumental role in delivering the National Climate and Health Strategy.’
Ms Michaels says AdPha looks forward to meeting with the returning health ministry to ensure AdPha members and their collective expertise, are positioned to support the government’s continuing and ongoing reforms.
‘Minister Butler has consistently championed pharmacy’s evolving role in delivering better patient outcomes, as we showcased to him at Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, and we are confident his leadership will continue to drive bold, innovative reform through the response to the Scope of Practice Review and upcoming Pharmacy Programs Agreement.
‘The Pharmacy Programs Agreement represents a turning point opportunity — one that can ensure Australians can access safe, high-quality pharmacy services wherever medicines are needed, from hospitals and aged care to general practice and community settings.
‘Hospital pharmacists are especially proud to see long-time AdPha member the Hon. Emma McBride MP FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt,MentalHlth) return to her vital portfolio in mental health and rural and regional health. With health inequities still impacting remote communities, her personal and professional experience as a regional health pharmacist is more important than ever.’
Ms Michaels says progress on the National Health Reform Agreement for public hospitals, health workforce health technology and assessment, medicines access and medicines shortages are also key to improving care outcomes.
‘These measures, aligned with AdPha’s Federal Election priorities, are essential to delivering fairer, more efficient, and higher-quality healthcare for all Australians, reinforcing the vital role of medicines in prevention and chronic disease care.
We call on Minister Butler and his team to take urgent action with bold, evidence-based policy to build a fairer, stronger and more sustainable health system.’
Next term is critical
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA)
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS welcomed the government’s team into the health portfolio.
“As the peak representative organisation of pharmacists in all practice settings across Australia, PSA looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Minister Butler and the Albanese Government to improve health care for all Australians.
“In the last term, PSA entered into the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice with the Government, supporting our continued custodianship of pharmacist standards, codes and guidelines and ensuring they remain fit-for-purpose.
“We have also commenced work on a new pharmacy programs agreement, with a health sector roundtable held in April and consultation with the profession ongoing.
“These are positive steps forward, but the work continues to ensure our profession has the tools and support needed to improve patients’ access to healthcare and quality use of medicines and medicine safety.
“The next parliamentary term is critical to addressing the key challenges our country is facing with an ageing population and greater demands on our health system than ever before. PSA is absolutely committed to working with Minister Butler and other government stakeholders to support the pharmacy profession to play our role in providing timely, accessible care to our communities.”
Associate Professor Sim also acknowledged and thanked the Hon. Ged Kearney MP and the Hon Annika Wells MP for their service to the health and aged care portfolios.
Time for action
Pharmacy Guild
“Minister Butler has worked hard to put patients at the heart of his work. Most recently we’ve seen the announcement that medicine will soon be more affordable”: National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey said.
“Continuity will ensure the necessary reforms to healthcare, including expanding the range of services offered in pharmacy, can be taken forward at pace. There were a lot of reviews and recommendations in the first term – now is the time to put these into practice in partnership with industry, healthcare professionals and experts. Now is the time to act.
Community pharmacy is Australia’s most accessible frontline healthcare destination and plays a vital role in treating and supporting patients across Australia. On average people visit community pharmacy every three weeks, providing a unique opportunity for proactive health advice and intervention.
There are more than 6,000 community pharmacies, often with extended opening times through the week and weekend. This makes it easier for patients to get the help they need. By thinking pharmacy first patients can access high quality advice, triage and treatment.
Priorities outlined
Catholic Health Australia
CEO Jason Kara said the organisation was looking forward to building on its strong relationship with the Albanese government in its second term, continuing a collaborative approach to support the health and aged care needs of all Australians.
“The returned government has an opportunity to strengthen the sustainability, fairness and effectiveness of our public and private health systems, and the vitally important aged care sector.
“As Australia’s largest non-government, not for profit group of health, community and aged care providers, we are committed to working in partnership with the government to ensure these reforms deliver high-quality, person-centred care for all Australians.”
During the election campaign, CHA outlined a number of key priorities across health, aged care and mission. These include:
- Reducing the pressure on public hospitals and ensure private hospital viability through fair funding
- Enhancing maternity and mental health services
- Successfully implementing the new Aged Care Act reforms
- Supporting aged care providers in regional, rural and remote areas
- Strengthening workforce planning and development.
Improve mental healthcare
Exercise & Sports Science Australia
With a large mandate and a $1 billion election promise, the returned Labor Government must use the first 100 days of its second term to start reshaping mental health care while incorporating one of the most cost-effective aspects of treatment: tailored exercise programs.
That’s the view of Australia’s peak exercise body, which is urging the government to embed 1700 exercise experts in mental health services across the country to help ensure its promised reforms deliver improved patient outcomes.
The most recent national data shows that more than one in five Australians – 4.3 million people – experienced a mental disorder in the past year, underlining why the Albanese Government’s $1 billion mental health funding is urgently needed and widely supported as a top priority.
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) CEO Danielle Smith said improving mental healthcare needed to be top of mind for Labor in the first 100 days of its new term.
“Following the government’s significant pre-election commitment in mental health funding, ESSA is calling for a substantial allocation of this spend to exercise-based interventions,” she said.
“Given the overwhelming evidence that shows exercise reduces symptoms of depression, it is critical the government doesn’t overlook structured exercise as a key component of mental health treatment.
“This is about saving lives – tailored exercise programs delivered by Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) can help reduce hospital visits, lower medication dependence and deliver better long-term mental health outcomes.”
Specifically, ESSA wants to see an additional 1700 AEPs embedded in mental health facilities. The measure would cost $340 million but would save taxpayers money, with Federal Treasury having confirmed every dollar spent in preventive health care saves $14 in other health treatment.
National approach to Foundational Supports needed
Speech Pathology Australia and Dietitians Australia
Speech Pathology Australia and Dietitians Australia are jointly calling for urgent national leadership to ensure the effective rollout of the Foundational Supports framework from 1 July 2025.
There is growing concern over the lack of clarity in how people with disability or developmental delay, particularly those not eligible for the NDIS, will access the support they need.
These peak bodies are calling for a nationally consistent approach to Foundational Supports, backed by minimum standards to prevent a postcode lottery.
Targeted Supports, as part of Foundational Supports, must be underpinned by eight key principles to ensure quality, access, and equity.
Speech Pathology Australia and Dietitians Australia call on the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments to show national leadership and urgently commit to clear, consistent implementation of Foundational Supports, which are due to commence on 1 July 2025.
With just months to go, critical action is needed for a nationally consistent framework – not just to deliver on the recommendations of the NDIS Review – but to ensure no person with a developmental delay or disability falls through the cracks.
Significant uncertainty surrounds how people with disability or developmental delay, especially those not eligible for the NDIS, will access the care they need.
These peak bodies warn that the lack of a clear national framework will worsen inequities, with people’s access to support varying depending on which State or Territory they live in.
We are urging the State, Territory and Commonwealth Governments to work together and ensure Targeted Foundational Supports are underpinned by eight key principles, including:
- National minimum standards to prevent a postcode lottery causing discrepancies in supports accessible in each State and Territory
- Recognition of the essential role of allied health
- Utilisation of the whole allied health workforce, across public and private sectors
- Provision of both direct and indirect supports, for those who need them
- Choice of provider and service, and recognition of current services that are working well
- Continuity of care through timely access and integration with the NDIS, health, and education systems
- Person-centred, culturally safe, and accessible supports
- Governance and compliance systems that keep participants safe and minimise administrative burden for service providers.
We call on the Commonwealth Government to work in genuine partnership with states and territories and the allied health sector to co-design and implement a national system of Foundational Supports. Our workforce stands ready to collaborate to ensure the system delivers timely, equitable and high-quality care.
Speech Pathology Australia CEO, Lyn Brodie:
“We are concerned about reports of people being removed from the NDIS with no alternative funding mechanism to support them. People with disability or developmental delay deserve access to high-quality support, no matter where they live, and regardless of whether they are eligible for the NDIS.
“That is why we are urging governments to commit to a clear and connected system of Foundational Supports underpinned by strong minimum standards.”
Dietitians Australia CEO, Magriet Raxworthy
“A fragmented approach to the Foundational Supports rollout will send us backwards as a nation. We must ensure we are cohesively providing the individualised care and capacity building health supports people with disability and developmental delay have a right to receive.
“We urge Governments to ensure the new system makes it easy to access the care people require and does not leave people in a situation where they are having to continually advocate for the supports they need.”
Generational matters
COTA Australia
Chief Executive Officer of COTA Australia – the leading advocacy organisation for older people – Patricia Sparrow said she looks forward to working with the Ministers, and the Federal Government as a whole, to ensure we deliver meaningful action on key issues impacting older people.
“We’re hopeful the re-elected Albanese Government will be one that governs for people of all ages and one willing to work collaboratively with people of all generations to achieve the change we need to see.
“Addressing the key challenges facing older people today is not just about supporting the current generation of older people but ensuring that future generations don’t face the same issues. It’s about building a fairer, stronger future for every generation.
“The new Federal Government’s ministry is filled with MPs who we know are passionate about improving the lives of older Australians, and indeed Australians of all ages,” Ms Sparrow said.
“We look forward to continuing our collaborative work with all of the returning Ministers, including Mark Butler in this Health and Ageing portfolio, and to further growing our relationships with those entering the ministry for the first time such as Sam Rae who we are certain will play a pivotal role in the important role of Minister for Aged Care and Seniors.
“We’re committed to working constructively with the Government to strengthen aged care, with key reforms commencing on 1 July, so it truly respects people’s dignity and choices, starting with the right to age well at home.
“We also warmly welcome Tanya Plibersek as the new Minister for Social Services and Dr Daniel Mulino as the Minister for Financial Services and Assistant Treasurer, both incredibly key roles that are vital to shaping policies that promotes fairness, economic stability and the wellbeing of all Australians.
“We’re looking forward to working with the Ministers, and the Parliament as a whole, on other key issues that remain critical priorities for older people such as addressing affordable dental care, rent relief, income support, cost-of-living relief, action on ageism, and housing options for older women at risk of homelessness.
“Older Australians are hopeful this next term will deliver a government that governs for all ages – recognising both the shared and specific challenges facing older and younger Australians alike.
Ms Sparrow also pointed to the Treasurer’s renewed focus on productivity, saying it must include tackling ageism in the workforce.
“Older Australians want to contribute but too many are shut out of the labour market because of outdated attitudes. If we’re serious about boosting productivity, we need to dismantle the barriers that hold people back based on age and support multi-generational workforces. We look forward to continuing this work with the new Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth, to drive this change forward.
“Investing in older people whether through care, housing, or fairer access to work, isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s a smart economic choice that will help build a fairer, more resilient future for everyone.
“We look forward to working with the government to address the key issues facing older Australians, issues that affect all generations, and to create lasting, positive change for the future.”
Aged Care Act implementation concerns
Ageing Australia
Ageing Australia congratulates the ministers responsible for aged care on their appointment, calling on the new Albanese front bench to take a staged approach to the new Aged Care Act as a priority.
Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said Ministers Butler and Rae are charged with overseeing a sector facing unprecedented change with the introduction of the new Aged Care act on 1 July.
“We’re running out of runway for the July 1 deadline, yet aged care providers still don’t have all the necessary information to prepare for these significant reforms.”
“We wholeheartedly support the new Act and the charter of rights for older people, but it’s becoming clearer by the day that we won’t be ready to implement every program due to the sheer scale of change.”
“Everyone wants these reforms to succeed and that means a staged approach to implementation will be vital.”
“Failure is not an option. If we don’t get this right we risk widespread confusion for older Australians and a loss of confidence in the sector as a whole. We know everything won’t be ready, so we need to work with the Government and the opposition on a plan B.”
On top of wholesale reforms, aged care providers face significant challenges dealing with a workforce crisis and major sustainability issues.
Access reforms
Medicines Australia
Medicines Australia said Minister Butler MP can now fix what he acknowledges as a “clunky” Health Technology Assessment (HTA) system and strengthen the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for future generations.
CEO of Medicines Australia Elizabeth de Somer welcomed the reappointment of Minister Butler, noting his deep understanding of the complexities of the health portfolio including the PBS and the medicines industry.
Ms de Somer emphasised Minister Butler’s public commitment, in this term of Government, to deliver faster access to medicines, vaccines, and treatments by modernising our PBS.
“Minister Butler’s constructive leadership over the past term has laid important groundwork for bold and forward-looking reforms that will set the course for world’s best health care for future generations.
“Reform of the PBS must be the priority. Science and medicines have evolved significantly in the 30 years where no meaningful reform has occurred. The system is no longer fit for purpose and patients are waiting too long – on average 466 days when elsewhere in the world the wait may be as low as 60 days.”
“It is now more than two and a half years since the HTA review commenced and more than six months since its recommendations landed. Delays in accessing new medicines through the PBS are profoundly impacting patient lives.”
“Australians have waited long enough – the time for action is now and we look forward to working with Minister Butler to deliver all the commitments made under the existing Strategic Agreement and commence active implementation of the HTA Review.”
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