CHA WELCOMES NEW HEALTH AND AGED CARE MINISTERS

Catholic Health Australia has warmly welcomed Mark Butler’s appointment as Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care and Anika Wells’ appointment as Minister for Aged Care.

CHA chief executive Pat Garcia said he was looking forward to working with both Mr Butler and Ms Wells on securing the future of Australia’s health and aged care systems, both of which face serious challenges.

“Catholic Health Australia enjoyed constructive discussions with Mr Butler when he was Opposition Health spokesperson and we very much look forward to continuing these discussions with him in his new job,” Mr Garcia said.

“Federal Health Minister is an incredibly challenging position, but we know that Mr Butler has ample ability and a deep understanding of the complexity of the role he is taking on, particularly given his previous experience in aged care.

“Arguably the most urgent challenge is the acute skills shortage in health and aged care. We desperately need reforms now that will help our hospitals and aged care facilities fill the tens of thousands of vacant positions they have advertised.

“CHA has already advanced a number of suggestions for how this problem can be effectively addressed and I look forward to discussing these further with the new Health Minister.”

Mr Garcia said he was also looking forward to engaging constructively with new Aged Care Minister Anika Wells.

“Strengthening our aged care system so that it can deliver quality compassionate care to older Australians must surely be right at the top of this new government’s agenda,” Mr Garcia said.

“We are delighted that someone with the energy and dedication of Ms Wells, who has been such a strong supporter of health and aged care reform in the previous Parliament, has been given this important portfolio.

“CHA’s ‘Fight for Better Aged campaign’ helped put aged care on the election map, and we look forward to working with Ms Wells to make sure it stays at the top of the priority list.”