1 June 2022

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has welcomed the appointment of Minister Mark Butler in the critical health and aged care portfolios. 

The RACP says that immediate action to address the systemic pressures exposed by the pandemic is critical. 

RACP President Jacqueline Small says “We look forward to working with Minister Butler as we look to strengthen the health system and continue navigating the impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare services.

“Australia’s health system still suffers from fragmented service delivery, and stagnated investment in research and innovation.

“There must be targeted investment in care delayed by COVID, including elective surgery, cancer diagnosis, rehabilitation services, palliative care and bereavement support and increased demand for mental health services. 

“It’s incredibly important that we fully fund the National Preventive Health Strategy, which requires 5% of health expenditure, separate from COVID-related expenditure, for prevention over ten years.

“Australia needs systemic change focused on integration working with states & territories, and innovation in models of care, including funding. Integrated care needs must extend to aged care and disability services, and become a key focus of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.

“We would like to see strong supports in place to help kids catch up from setbacks of the pandemic, including expanding on Student Wellbeing Boost to fully fund & implement National Strategy on Children’s Mental Health. 

“The health and aged care portfolios will play an important role in ensuring older people have access to a continuum of specialist care both in aged care facilities and community settings, as recommended by the Aged Care Royal Commission.”

“We’re pleased to see commitments to climate action from the new Federal Government. 
“We hope that Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen and the Health Minister can work together to establish a National Climate and Health Strategy to build healthcare system resilience to extreme weather and to reduce to achieve net zero emissions in healthcare by 2040.”

“The College is looking forward to collaborating with the government on these priorities” Dr Small says.