Sussan Ley is Farrer's first member in the health seat

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SUSSAN Ley has become the first Farrer MP to hold the key health ministry.

Her predecessors, former deputy PM Tim Fischer, Wal Fife and David Fairbairn, all held cabinet positions during their political careers, but not health or sport, which have been presented to Ms Ley.

Mr Fischer was trade minister in the Howard government between 1996-99.

The former National Party leader retired before the 2001 election and Ms Ley won the seat for the Liberal Party.

“An enormous amount of work lies ahead for every new cabinet minister,” Mr Fischer said.

“Health is a challenging portfolio.”

Mr Fischer’s predecessor Wal Fife held down the education and aviation portfolios and Farrer’s first member, Mr Fairbairn, was responsible for air, national development, education and science and defence, predominantly under Robert Menzies.

In the Howard government, Ms Ley was parliamentary secretary for children and youth affairs from 2004-06, then parliamentary secretary to the agriculture minister from 2006-07.

In opposition she held six different shadow portfolios.