Simon Corbell MLA is no stranger to the health portfolio having held the role in the mid-2000s
but this time he will notice a difference.
It is going
to be a very challenging time for the new Minister.
We are
seeing increasing pressure on our public health system, with increased number of
people accessing emergency departments and outpatient services.
There is uncertainty at the
national level with the proposed introduction of policies that will undermine
our universal health care system. This will make it more costly to see a GP and
may well drive more people to public hospital emergency departments for care.
And we are
part way through a large infrastructure program to design build facilities and
services that will enable the ACT Government to meet the needs of the community
for the next 30 years.
Mr Corbell
has considerable experience in portfolios with strong vested interests and
Health is no different. He will have many opportunities to draw on his skills
and experience from the planning portfolio and as our Attorney General.
Health care
is about people. It is not about buildings and equipment, although they play an
important role. One of the strengths of our previous Minister, Katy Gallagher MLA,
was that she did not forget about the people in the system and fostered good
relationships. She recognised the needs of patients and staff who were at the
front line of experiencing and delivering care. We are confident that Minister
Corbell will take a similar approach.
We enjoyed a
very good working relationship with Katy Gallagher as Minister for Health and
look forward to working with Mr Corbell in his new role.
Darlene Cox
Executive Director
@darlenecox
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