It was announced yesterday that Nicola Roxon is to continue as the Federal Health Minister.
Roxon pushes on with health reform
September 11, 2010 - 5:09PM
AAP
Health Minister Nicola Roxon says she will press on with Labor's program of reforming the health system.
Ms Roxon said she was pleased and honoured to retain the health portfolio and to continue leading the government's health reform agenda.
"Following a very busy first term introducing health reform, I now look forward to implementing changes that will deliver better health and hospital services across the country," she said in a statement.
"In particular, I will focus on the better delivery of health services through improved GP clinics, modernised hospitals, an expanded medical and nursing workforce, better after hours services and unleashing the benefits of e-health and telemedicine."
More here:
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/roxon-pushes-on-with-health-reform-20100911-155sp.html
Additional commentary on where reform is heading is found here:
Health reforms survive as Independents back Labor
7th Sep 2010
THERE is to be no reprieve from wide-ranging reforms for the health sector, with key Independents today handing the Australian Labor Party a second term in office.
After more than two weeks of negotiation and deliberation, Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor have joined with fellow Independent Andrew Wilkie and Green Adam Bandt in pledging their support for Prime Minister Julia Gillard form a minority government.
Earlier in the day, Bob Katter announced he would back the Coalition, leaving the parties deadlocked at 74 seats apiece. However, Tony Windsor's announcement to back Labor gave them a 75-74 lead before Rob Oakeshott's final vote gave Labor the 76 seats needed to form government.
Parliamentary reform – rather than health – appeared to be at the heart of the protracted negotiations with the Independent MPs.
The result means controversial reforms included in the National Health and Hospitals Network plan – such as the diabetes scheme and the new nurse incentive – remain firmly on the agenda.
The rollout of the unpopular GP Super Clinics scheme also looks set to continue, with Labor now able to push forward with its planned 23 new clinics.
Both the diabetes scheme and the nurse incentive payments have faced an avalanche of criticism since they were announced, with GPs across the country arguing they may be left financially worse off under the new measures.
More here:
http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/health-reforms-survive-as-independents-back-labor
GP groups tell Gillard to prioritise primary care
8th Sep 2010
THE Gillard Government must maintain its strong focus on primary health care and general practice, GP groups have urged.
Both the RACGP and the AGPN have welcomed yesterday’s decision by Independent MPs Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor to support the Australian Labor Party in a second term of office.
The Independents’ decision means controversial reforms included in the National Health and Hospitals Network plan – such as the diabetes scheme and the new practice nurse incentive – remain firmly on the agenda.
The rollout of the unpopular GP Super Clinics scheme also looks set to continue, with Labor now able to push forward with its planned 23 new clinics.
More here:
http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/gp-groups-tell-gillard-to-prioritise-primary-care
All I wish to say is that this new Government should be seen as an opportunity to alter the modus operandi of the Government to one where there is vastly more transparency and consultation and where ideology is left at the door of the room where decisions are being made.
In e-Health I have made it pretty clear where I stand. I hope we see a rethink etc. on how things should be done.
See here:
http://aushealthit.blogspot.com/2010/08/there-is-small-window-for-sanity-in-e.html
and here:
http://aushealthit.blogspot.com/2010/09/where-to-for-e-health-in-australia-now.html
David.
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