NT Minister for Health Natasha Fyles flew to Melbourne today where she will chair her first Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) Health Meeting since accepting the role late last year.
Minister Fyles will lobby for better health outcomes for Territorians at the Health Council meeting, as the Federal Government updates the Council on the National Health Reform Agreement.
The Territory Labor Government continues to work closely with all states and territories and our federal counterparts to ensure Territorians have access to quality health care, no matter where they live.
Minister Fyles first meeting as Chair comes amidst the rapidly evolving international COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation, in which Australia continues to prepare for every eventuality.
The health sector response to the Australian bushfire disaster this summer will also be discussed, with the Health Council focused on reducing the impacts on public health, and particularly wellbeing, from those impacted and those who assist with significant national emergencies.
As noted by the Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:
“Health Council COAG meetings are always important opportunities to continue to highlight the needs of the Northern Territory health system and fight for what we need here at home.
“The Territory has some complex pressures that impact our health system and I will continue to push the Northern Territory agenda for more health funding and improved services, in both urban and remote settings.
“While largely in-hand in Australia, Coronavirus will be a critical part of our Health Council meeting as it remains a rapidly-evolving international health situation.
“In true Territory spirit, our NT Health team alongside Border Force and AUSMAT, have kept Territorians safe which has been our first priority since day one. At the same time we have successfully assisted over 400 Australians in need of a helping hand.”
