Media release Tuesday 28 May 2019 Ministers welcomed, but Rural Health still missing dedicated portfolio The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) has congratulated Greg Hunt MP on his reappointment as Federal Health Minister, Ken Wyatt AM MP on his appointment as Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, and Mark Coulton MP on his appointment as the Federal Minister for Regional Services. But the Association has expressed disappointment that Rural Health has again been denied a designated portfolio in the new Morrison Government. "We are pleased to see Greg Hunt MP reappointed as Federal Health Minister, as he has been a consultative and engaged Minister in the Health portfolio" RDAA President, Dr Adam Coltzau, said. "He has progressed various initiatives that we have put to him - including a very positive initiative to enable Medicare-rebated GP-to-patient telehealth consults in Remote and Very Remote areas from 1 November. "We are also very pleased to see Ken Wyatt AM MP appointed to the Cabinet as Minister for Indigenous Australians. It is very important that this portfolio area has a place at the Cabinet table, particularly if efforts to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes and to Close the Gap are to gain real traction. "We thank Senator Bridget McKenzie for her significant efforts as Federal Minister for Regional Services, and look forward to working with Mark Coulton MP as he commences work in this portfolio. "We remain very disappointed, however, that Rural Health has again been denied a dedicated portfolio. "Having a critical issue like Rural Health without a dedicated portfolio has a significant flow-on effect. "It means that Rural Health is deemed not significant enough to warrant its own portfolio focus. "The seven million people who live across rural and remote Australia - and who often face significant waiting times to see a doctor or an allied health professional, or who need to travel long distances to access a health service - would argue fiercely that it should. "While some positive initiatives - like the National Rural Generalist Pathway - are being progressed, there is much more to be done to boost the rural health workforce and improve access to healthcare in the bush. "We look forward to working with each Minister and their advisors to ensure that the areas of Rural Health, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, receive the attention they deserve." ______________________________________________________________________________________ A high resolution photo of Dr Adam Coltzau can be found via this link: https://www.rdaa.com.au/documents/item/182 Available for interview: RDAA President, Dr Adam Coltzau RDAA CEO, Peta Rutherford Media contacts: Patrick Daley on 0408 004 890 Ineke Kuiper on 0408 669 638 (Thursday / Friday) RDAA National Office on 02 6239 7730 .