The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has congratulated Mark Butler on his reappointment as Minister of Health and Aged Care.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright welcomed the opportunity to continue collaborating with Mark Butler MP as Minister for Health and Ageing to ensure everyone in Australia can access affordable general practice care, and in his new role as Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Dr Wright also congratulated other MPs and senators appointed to health roles:
- Rebecca White MP as Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, and Assistant Minister for Women
- Emma McBride MP as Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health and Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
- Senator Jenny McAllister as Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme
- Sam Rae MP as Minister for Aged Care and Seniors
- Senator Malarndirri McCarthy as Minister for Indigenous Australians
- Josh Wilson MP as Assistant Minister for Emergency Management
- Dan Repacholi MP as Special Envoy for Men's Health.
Dr Wright said: "Every year, 22 million Australians see a GP for their essential healthcare, making GPs the most accessed health professional in the country.
"Investing in general practice is the most cost-effective way to improve the health and wellbeing of all Australian communities, and we look forward to working with the Albanese Government who have made healthcare their top priority during the election campaign.
"The Government's $8.5 billion commitment to increased Medicare funding and growing the GP workforce helps restore funding lost from general practice as the result of the Medicare freeze. This shows the Government's commitment to general practice and the health and wellbeing of our communities.
"We look forward to working with Minister Butler and the Albanese Government to implement their election promises, including training more specialist GPs, and reshaping Medicare.
"There is no substitute for the high-quality care you get from a specialist GP who knows you and your history. We want all Australians to have affordable access to GP care, no matter where they live."
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