AMA congratulates new health team and will work closely on urgent health reforms
The Australian Medical Association congratulates the Hon Mark Butler MP on his reappointment as the Minister for Health and Ageing and will continue to work with him on much needed reforms to the healthcare system.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen welcomed Minister Butler’s reappointment, acknowledging his experience and knowledge in the portfolio.
She also congratulated his new ministerial health team — Sam Rae, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors; Rebecca White, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health and Assistant Minister for Women; and Emma McBride, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health.
“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.”
