Big challenges ahead for new Health Minister designate

17 April 2022: Medicines Australia congratulates Senator Anne Ruston on her proposed appointment as Minister for Health and Ageing, if the Coalition is re-elected.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said Senator Ruston will face many challenges when she takes on the important Health Portfolio, should the Coalition win the election.

“There are huge responsibilities across the whole health and ageing sectors, but none more so than current and future access to life-saving and life-enhancing medicines, vaccines, and treatments for all Australians,” Ms de Somer said.

“Minister Hunt initiated several significant and welcome opportunities for much needed reforms during his time in the Health Portfolio and some of these need to be finalised in close consultation with the biopharmaceuticals industry, stakeholders and patient groups.

“The biggest challenge – and opportunity – will be the independently chaired Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review, which is due to commence from 1 July 2022.

“Medicines Australia looks forward to finalising the makeup of the Committee and discussing its important work in some detail with the new Health Minister.

“Another priority will be the resumption of consultation on the National Medicines Policy (NMP) Review, which Minister Hunt necessarily deferred until after the election following advocacy from Medicines Australia and patient groups.

“There will be numerous other vital policy discussions in keeping with the 5-year Strategic Agreement that Medicines Australia signed with the Federal Government in 2021.”

Medicines Australia again thanks Greg Hunt for his services to the Australian Parliament, especially his cooperative and consultative stewardship of the broad Health Portfolio and wishes him every success in his post-politics endeavours.

-ENDS-

For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au
John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au