Roxon pushes on with health reform

Health Minister Nicola Roxon says she will press on with Labor's program of
reforming the health system.
Ms Roxon said she was pleased and honoured to retain the health portfolio and to
continue leading the government's health reform agenda.
"Following a very busy first term introducing health reform, I now look forward to
implementing changes that will deliver better health and hospital services across
the country," she said in a statement.
"In particular, I will focus on the better delivery of health services through
improved GP clinics, modernised hospitals, an expanded medical and nursing
workforce, better after hours services and unleashing the benefits of e-health and
telemedicine."
Ms Roxon said the health team would continue to oversee delivery of vital health
services to the community.
There will be a strong focus on implementing agreed reforms, ensuring their benefits
to the whole country, as well as shaping an important second term health agenda in
aged care, mental health and dental services, she said.
"Our vast system has many strengths, the best of all being the people that work in
it. I have enormous confidence that together we now have a rare opportunity to
really make a difference to improve health outcomes for all Australians," she said.