As expected, Mark Butler has been confirmed as the new health minister following Labor’s recent federal election win. He will be supported by Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride, and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy.
Butler takes the health reins with vast parliamentary experience behind him, both in the shadow ministry, where he had been shadow spokesperson for health since last year, and in several ministerial roles in the Rudd and Gillard governments, including Minister for Mental Health and Ageing (2010–2013). He is the author of the book ‘Advance Australia – The Politics of Ageing‘.
A former trade unionist and member of the Labor Party’s left faction, Butler is said to have a close working relationship with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese having served as campaign manager for his party leadership bid in 2013.
Labor campaigned heavily on a traditional platform of aged care and Medicare, and indicated it will maintain the high levels of health spending seen during the pandemic.
However, in a bid to build trust on the economy, Labor has also signalled it will maintain fiscal discipline with Finance Minister Katy Gallagher warning a period of Budget consolidation and repair is ahead. This may well put pressure on new health spending beyond already baked-in election promises.
Labor’s election platform for health:
General Practice
Public hospitals
Health system
Medicines and medical technology
Who is Senator Anne Ruston, the Coalition’s candidate for health minister?
Full cabinet and outer ministry below.
For a discussion on how you should approach political engagement in this new parliament, please contact John Emmerson: [email protected]