Butler promoted to Cabinet

Health groups including the AMA have applauded the decision to promote the Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, to Cabinet, and adding Social Inclusion to his portfolio.

Mental health and ageing are key areas of the health portfolio that deserve the attention and advocacy of a Cabinet Minister.

There is a lot of unfinished business in mental health and aged care and many conflicting views about the way ahead in both areas.

With an ageing population and greater awareness and understanding of mental illness, the community is calling out for more funding and resources in both sectors.

It is significant that the Minister has Social Inclusion as part of his responsibilities.

It will be an important factor in how the Minister responds to the many demands across his portfolio, especially as Australia and the world face tougher economic circumstances.

The AMA will be seeking an early meeting with the Minister to discuss a range of issues, especially mental health funding arrangements for patients seeing GPs under the Better Access program in the first instance.

JF