MARK Butler has been reappointed Minister for Health and Aged Care in a cabinet reshuffle yesterday, with the pharmacy sector welcoming his continuation in the role.
"The Guild and community pharmacy looks forward to working with Minister Butler and his team to continue delivering for all Australian patients," said National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Professor Trent Twomey.
Twomey pointed out that Butler had "worked hard to put patients at the heart of his work", particularly with the recent move to make medicine more affordable.
"Continuity will ensure the necessary reforms to healthcare, including expanding the range of services offered in pharmacy, can be taken forward at pace.
"There were a lot of reviews and recommendations in the first term - now is the time to put these into practice in partnership with industry, healthcare professionals and experts," Twomey said.
In other appointments, Rebecca White is now Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, replacing Ged Kearney; Emma McBride retained her role as Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Rural and Regional Health; and Olympic sport shooter Dan Repacholi was appointed Special Envoy for Men's Health.
Professor Twomey said he was looking forward to continuing to work closely with fellow pharmacist Emma McBride to deliver regional and rural healthcare, and also with Dan Rapacholi in his new role.
Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) Chief Executive Kristin Michaels also extended congratulations to Minister Butler and others in the health and aged care arena.
"Minister Butler has consistently championed pharmacy's evolving role in delivering better patient outcomes, and we are confident his leadership will continue to drive bold, innovative reform through the response to the Scope of Practice Review and upcoming Pharmacy Programs Agreement," Michaels said.
"We look forward to working with the team to lead the critical work of improving equitable access to medicines and pharmacy care for all Australians across our diverse healthcare system.
"I'd also like to sincerely thank outgoing Assistant Minister Ged Kearney for her leadership and, in particular, her instrumental role in delivering the National Climate and Health Strategy," Michaels added.
The National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) said it was looking forward to working with the ministry as it acts on the recommendations of key reviews undertaken in the last term of government.
NRHA also pointed to Assistant Minister White's long-standing association with rural communities in welcoming her appointment. KB
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 13 May 25
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 13 May 25
