MP Mark Butler has been announced as the new Minister for Health and Aged Care under Australia’s new Labor (ALP) government.
Butler will officially take over the role from Liberal (LNP) MP Greg Hunt today, June 1, when he will be sworn in during a Government Ceremony.
The Labor MP took to social media to thank the Australian public for their votes after Labor’s election win.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) President Adjunct Professor Karen Price said she looks forward to working together with the new Minister to improve care for Australians.
“The college already has a robust relationship with the Labor health team, and I hope that it only grows stronger in the years ahead as we work together to boost quality general practice patient services,” Price said.
“This is a great opportunity for the new Government to strengthen its commitment to the most cost-effective and frequently accessed part of the nation’s healthcare system – general practice.”
Price welcomed the change of government, saying the ALP’s commitment to invest in healthcare will “give general practice a much-needed shot in the arm”.
“Practices across Australia are under enormous pressure delivering COVID-19 vaccines and boosters as well as influenza vaccines and routine childhood immunisations, treating patients who have delayed or avoided screenings and consults during the pandemic and helping people with mental health issues,” she said.
“All of this at a time in our nation’s history when we have an ageing population and rising rates of chronic disease.
“So, we have a lot on our plate, and I look forward to working with the new Health Minister to give general practice a much-needed shot in the arm.”
Before his election win, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged $970 million into primary care and $2.5 billion to the abandoned aged care sector.
Albanese said he would ensure all aged care facilities had at least one registered nurse on duty at all times, better food for residents and pay rises to meet the demand from aged care workers.
Albanese said the new ministerial team has an “overflow of talent” saying “it is the most experienced incoming Labor government in our history since Federation”.
The new government frontbench is made up of 30 ALP members, with 13 of those being women in a government first. These include:
The Prime Minister announced the Labor party hold the majority after the 77th seat was claimed.
“Today Labor has claimed the 77th seat in the House of Representatives. It confirms indeed that Labor will be a majority government when Parliament resumes in July,” Albanese said.