Having a local MP as the Health Minister has been a handy link for local hospitals and they were not ready to see her go.
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Albury Wodonga Private Hospital chief executive officer Doug McRae welcomed this week’s reappointment of Sussan Ley, who will continue in the role she has held for the past nine months.
“I was watching with bated breath,” he said of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s reshuffle announcement on Sunday.
“I think it’s a great decision.
“Malcolm Turnbull made a very wise decision not changing the health ministry.”
In a rarity for federal politics, Ms Ley’s appointment was praised across social media, with many messages from health organisations.
Mr McRae said Ms Ley has done well in the huge job of Health Minister and the hospital has gone through many positive discussions about policy with her office.
The local link with Farrer is also a bonus.
“That’s one of the advantages, being a bit selfish… she supports her local constituents,” Mr McRae said.
“She’s been really supportive of this hospital.”
The government released its discussion paper into primary health care reform last month, which Ms Ley said considers changes to Medicare to support people with complex and chronic diseases.
“This discussion paper sets out a number of suggestions to make Australia’s primary health care a better integrated and holistic system that considers the whole of a patient’s health care needs,” she said.
Chronic disease Medicare items grew by almost 17 per cent in 2013/14 compared to the previous year, with over $587.6 million worth of benefits paid.
Mr McRae supported the review, saying Ms Ley understands the value of the private health care system.
He said having a new health minister could have delayed that work.
“They always have their own ideas and their own agendas,” he said.
“We’re hoping that things just carry on without change.”
Medicines Australia CEO Tim James also welcomed Ms Ley’s reappointment.
“It’s important to have continuity in this important portfolio and we look forward to working with the minister on policies that help Australians to live long, productive and healthy lives,” Mr James said.
