The country’s largest health union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has welcomed Sussan Ley to the Federal Cabinet in the key position of Minister for Health.
ANMF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said today: “As one of Australia’s fastest-growing unions, the ANMF looks forward to working with the new Minister on trying to negotiate solutions to the mounting challenges facing nurses and midwives and the people they care for as a result of the Government’s recent policy decisions.
“The ANMF will be seeking meetings with Minister Ley in the New Year to discuss several crucial issues negatively impacting on the Australian health care system – these include the Government’s proposed $5 out of pocket fee for a GP visit and reductions in public health funding.
“The health portfolio is big and getting bigger, so responsibility in Government is paramount, but never at the expense of patient care or safety.
“As Federal Secretary, I am keen to establish a working relationship with Minister Ley so that together, we can tackle the increasing issues in health.”
