Ministers sworn in, Libs elect first female leader
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s reshuffled frontbench was sworn in at Government House on Tuesday morning.
The Older Persons Advocacy Network has welcomed the newly sworn in cabinet but called for aged care reform to remain a priority – expressing disappointment the aged care portfolio is no longer the responsibility of a cabinet minister.
Following the Prime Minister announcing his ministerial reshuffle yesterday, chief executive officer of the human rights-based organisation Craig Gear congratulated Mark Butler for retaining his health portfolio – which has changed in name to health and ageing from health and aged care. He also welcomed Sam Rae as the new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, who will operate within Mr Butler’s remit, and congratulated Rebecca White as the new Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care.
“It is disappointing to see that aged care is no longer the responsibility of a cabinet minister, and we urge the Government to not deprioritise aged care reform at this crucial stage,” Mr Gear said.
“It is important we do not see a delay to the commencement of the new Aged Care Act, which commences on 1 July 2025 – older people have waited too long for their rights to be enshrined in legislation.
“OPAN will continue to work productively with the Federal Government to ensure the rights of older people are front and center.”
Anglicare Australia also congratulated Mr Rae on his appointment, and welcomed the focus on seniors alongside aged care.
(supplied by Anglicare Australia)
“We welcome the focus on seniors alongside aged care. This shows the government understands that ageing with dignity goes beyond aged care and touches on issues that affect all older people – like housing, income and mental health,” said Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers.
“This is a crucial time for the aged care system, with major reforms underway and a new rights-based Aged Care Act being rolled out. We look forward to working with Minister Rae to support the transition to a new Act and make sure these changes deliver the quality care that older Australians deserve.”
Ms Chambers extended this congratulation to Mr Butler and expressed her gratititude for the work former Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells did while in the role.
Ms Wells was sworn in this morning as Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport – a role which seemingly the whole family is a fan of, with her twin boys beginning to throw a football in the corridor of Government House as Governor-General Sam Mostyn called their mum up.
Ms Wells’ children were then invited in to come and watch the special moment.
This morning also saw the announcement of Sussan Ley as leader of The Liberal Party. The former deputy leader beat Angus Taylor in a close ballot of 29 votes to 25.
Ms Ley has held the New South Wales seat of Farrer for 25 years, and is the first woman to lead the Liberal Party of Australia.
In the Abbott and Turnbull governments Ley held the ministerial portfolio of Aged Care from 2015–2016.
Ted O’Brien – who has held the Queensland seat of Fairfax since 2016 – has been named as the new deputy.
