The Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt MP, has announced that he will retire from politics at the next election.
The Australian Psychological Society is saddened by this announcement and seeks to acknowledge and congratulate Minister Hunt for his long and successful leadership of the Australian health sector, and his determination to improve health and mental health outcomes for all Australians.
APS Chief Executive Officer Dr Zena Burgess honoured Minister Hunt's commitment to mental health.
"Minister Hunt's dedication to those experiencing mental ill-health, and making mental health care more understood and accessible to urban, suburban and regional Australians, has been central to an extraordinary era of change and progress in our country", Dr Burgess said.
"At the APS we have been fortunate to have worked closely with Minister Hunt and his team, and we have found his commitment to the health of all Australinas, to patient outcomes and to mental health to be unwavering."
"During a period of unprecedented demand for mental health services Minister Hunt should be remembered for doubling subsidised sessions and providing accesss to high quality mental health care via Telehealth across Australia."
"His $2.3bn investment in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan has changed the lives of many for the better and leaves a lasting legacy for future Ministers to build upon." Mr Hunt leaves the role with an Australian mental health system which is envied by many countries around the world – with affordable, safe and accessible mental health care, an option within the reach of most."
APS President Tamara Cavenett praised Minister Hunt's ability to work collaboratively during such an unprecedented and uncertain time
"As Australians have experienced uncertainty in their lives Minister Hunt has been a consistent and constructive partner in ensuring Australia's collective psyche has remained a priority. As the societal and mental health impacts of the current pandemic and its effects continue to evolve and play out, we look forward to working with the Minister's team within the Department of Health, and with those who may succeed him, to continue this important work.
