13 May 2025
The Consumers Health Forum of Australia welcomes the re-appointment of the Hon Mark Butler MP as Health Minister.
Minister Butler was sworn in as Health Minister this morning along with new Ministers to the health portfolio including Sam Rae MP as Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Rebecca White as Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Indigenous Health and Emma McBride as re-appointed Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Rural and Regional Health.
“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 or 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.
