The pharmaceutical sector and a leading consumer group have welcomed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's three member health ministerial team.
Mr Turnbull reappointed Susan Ley health minister, appointing Fiona Nash Minister for Rural Health and Ken Wyatt Assistant Minister for Health.
The Pharmacy Guild said it welcomed the appointments, particularly Mr Wyatt's with a focus on indigenous health, and said it looked forward to continuing its good working relationship with all Ministers in the Coalition Government health team.
The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) welcomed the new health team and particularly the reappointment of Sussan Ley as Health Minister.
"Minister Ley has demonstrated her commitment to an affordable PBS and continues to engage collaboratively with the generic and biosimilar medicines sector," said CEO Belinda Wood.
"GBMA looks forward to working with two Minsters and the Assistant Minister to ensure the ongoing, reliable supply of affordable generic and biosimilar medicines to all Australians, as well as the viability of the industry that supplies them," she added.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) said the health portfolio had been given prominence in the ministry and was now one of the strongest the sector had seen.
According to PSA National President, Joe Demarte, “We have a very good working relationship with Minister Ley and I welcome her reappointment and the opportunity to continue the strong ties we have established with her and her department.
“A priority for PSA will be continuing to discuss with the Minister and the Government the need to ensure that the skills and knowledge of Australia’s pharmacists are fully utilised in our health system and that consumers benefit from this better utilisation."
Mr Demarte also said Mr Wyatt's appointment would add a deeper understanding to the portfolio regarding the needs of indigenous Australians.
“The PSA has a strong commitment to meeting the health needs of indigenous Australians and Australians in rural and remote communities and Mr Wyatt’s appointment will strengthen moves to ensure indigenous Australians have access to the best possible health care," he said.
Deon Schoombie, CEO of the Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI), said the association was looking forward to working with the new health team to advance policy in the non-prescription medicines industry, particularly reshaping the regulatory framework for over-the-counter and complementary medicines.
Medicines Australia welcomed the health team, including the reappointment of Sussan Ley, but expressed strong support for Mr Turnbull's focus on innovation.
“I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister for placing innovation back into the Industry and Science portfolio and for appointing Wyatt Roy MP to the new and exciting role of Assistant Minister for Innovation,” said CEO Tim James.
“Medicines Australia member companies are at the forefront of innovation. They create medicines which help Australians live healthy and productive lives. This innovation also helps to support local investment in research and development, clinical trials and jobs for thousands of Australian scientists and doctors.”
“We look forward to working with Mr Pyne and Mr Roy in this important portfolio,” said Mr James
“Yesterday, the Prime Minister also made a point of making University collaboration with industry a major focus of the Government. Our members are already heavily involved in achieving exactly this outcome and we welcome further efforts by the Government to make this investment even easier,” he added.
The Consumers Health Forum said it was looking forward to working with the new team as it moved forward on reforming the health system.
“Sussan Ley’s continuation in this role will ensure that the important reform agenda she has embarked on will continue and bring out a health system which meets the Australian people’s needs and is sustainable into the future," said CEO Leanne Wells. "This reform agenda is very broad as it includes many aspects of the health system including primary health, Medicare payments, mental health, private health insurance and pharmacy arrangements.”
