Labor Opts For Experience In Health
AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, today welcomed the re-appointment of Catherine King to the Shadow Health portfolio, with the new title, Shadow Minister for Health and Medicare.
Dr Gannon said the AMA looks forward to continuing a cooperative working relationship with Shadow Minister King.
“Catherine knows the health policy landscape well, and was instrumental in making health policy a prominent battleground in the recent election,” Dr Gannon said.
“The AMA supported Labor’s position on lifting the Medicare freeze, scrapping the cuts to bulk billing incentives for pathology and medical imaging, and increasing public hospital funding – and we hope these policies are maintained for the new term of Parliament.
“Health policy will remain a major concern for the community.
“The health sector and patients are very fortunate to have two experienced and consultative operators in Sussan Ley and Catherine King back in charge of Health for the Government and the Opposition.
“They know the issues, they seek advice from health professionals, and they will be strong voices in their respective Parties to ensure Australian voters will be offered positive health policies at the next election.”
The AMA also congratulates Labor’s other health representatives:
- Shadow Minister for Ageing and Mental Health, Julie Collins;
- Shadow Assistant Minister for Medicare, Tony Zappia; and
- Shadow Assistant Minister for Ageing, Senator Helen Polley.
Dr Gannon notes the Opposition’s emphasis on Indigenous Affairs with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten taking the Shadow Ministry for Indigenous Affairs and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, with Assistant Shadow Minister, Senator Pat Dodson.