THE National Heart Foundation welcomes the continuing appointment of the Hon. Sussan Ley as Minister for Health, and the announcement of Senator the Hon. Fiona Nash as Minister for Rural Health and Mr Ken Wyatt AM as Assistant Minister for Health as announced in the first Turnbull Ministry yesterday.
National Heart Foundation CEO, Mary Barry said the reappointment of Minister Ley as Minister for Health provides ongoing continuity and stability within the health sector.
“The National Heart Foundation has forged a consultative and productive relationship with Minister Ley and the Department of Health and looks forward to continuing the vital work of curbing premature death and suffering from heart disease,” Ms Barry said.
“A priority for the National Heart Foundation is to ensure Australia’s healthcare system holds preventive care and patient health outcomes at its core.
“It is well known that an investment in preventive health measures, in particular physical inactivity, obesity, poor nutrition, excessive consumption of alcohol, and smoking will not only curb the prevalence of heart disease, but improve the health of every Australian.”
Ms Barry said the appointment of Mr Wyatt as the first Assistant Minister for Health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander decent will add an inherent understanding within the portfolio of the health needs and issues of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those living in rural and remote Australia.
“Despite being three times more likely to have a heart attack, and nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive significantly less medical treatment than the most advantaged groups in Australian society,” she said.
“We have a strong commitment to addressing inequality in heart health and Mr Wyatt’s appointment will further strengthen moves to ensure every Australian lives long, healthy lives.”
The National Heart Foundation also welcomes the appointment of Mr Jamie Briggs as Minister for Cities and the Built Environment in advancing its agenda on creating healthier urban environments that foster physical activity and promoting active travel.
We look forward to working closely with Minister Ley, Mr Wyatt, Senator Nash, Mr Briggs, and the Department of Health on initiatives that will ensure the heart health of every Australian.
Image: Impressive women being sworn in as part of the Turnbull Government Ministry (Credit: Supplied).
Ryan Fritz
Ryan Fritz started The Advocate in 2014 to provide not-for-profits and charities another media platform to tell their worthwhile hard news stories and opinion pieces effortlessly. In 2020, Ryan formed a team of volunteer journalists to help spread even more high-quality stories from the third sector. He also has over 10 years experience as a media and communications professional for not-for-profits and charities and currently works at Redkite, a childhood cancer charity.
