Dementia Australia welcomes the reappointment of The Hon Greg Hunt MP as Minister for Health and congratulates the new Ministers that will impact on dementia, including the Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said, “I acknowledge Mr Hunt on his continued leadership role in shaping health care for current and future Australians, in particular for the 447,000 people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, and their families and carers.
“I look forward to continuing our positive working relationships with the Minister for Health and the new Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians and their departments to make a difference to the lives of all Australians impacted by dementia,” Ms McCabe said.
“With support from key government departments including the Departments of Health and Social Services, Dementia Australia provides vital services for people living with dementia, for the carers and families impacted, and for everyone in the community to ensure they know that they are not alone if they have concerns for themselves or a person close to them.
“Additionally the government makes continued investment in crucial areas of dementia research.
The new Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Senator Colbeck will replace the former Minister for Aged Care, The Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP.
“I acknowledge the leadership of Minister Wyatt since his January 2017 appointment to the aged care portfolio, and the elevation of dementia as a priority in his work,” Ms McCabe said.
“Minster Wyatt has overseen significant reform that will continue to make a difference to the lives of people impacted by dementia, such as the establishment of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, the introduction of the Specialist Dementia Care Program and more recently, the review of the legislation on the use of restraint in aged care.
“In particular we thank the Minister for his support of the national Dementia Friends campaign which will have a legacy impact inspiring communities to make a difference at the grassroots level for many years to come.
“I welcome the opportunity to build on this focus with Senator Colbeck and look forward to introducing him to people impacted by dementia to share their experiences and concerns with him and his new team.”
Dementia Australia will further relationships with all other relevant members of the ministry including the Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator the Hon Anna Ruston; the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, The Hon Stuart Robert MP; the Minister for Education, The Hon Dan Tehan MP and the Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, The Hon Karen Andrews MP.
“Dementia is the second leading cause of death of Australians, the leading cause of death of women in this country and the largest health and social challenge facing Australia,” Ms McCabe said.
“Dementia costs the Australian economy $15 billion each year.
“With almost 1.1 million Australians expected to be living with dementia by 2058 there is much that can be done now to improve the lives of all people impacted by dementia both in the aged care sector and more broadly.
“Ensuring a timely diagnosis, reducing the stigma, increasing awareness and support services for people living with dementia, their families and carers are Dementia Australia’s priority areas.
“Activity can start immediately in all these areas to make a difference to the lives of everyone impacted now and will strengthen the system to support generations to come.
“We look forward to working with the Morrison government and all the relevant Ministers to continue to implement the transformational change needed in Australia to ensure people living with dementia, their families and carers are receiving the best, quality dementia care.”
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Dementia Australia is the national peak body and charity for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information. An estimated 447,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to reach almost 1.1 million by 2058. Dementia Australia is the new voice of Alzheimer’s Australia. Dementia Australia’s services are supported by the Australian Government.
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500
Interpreter service available
(The National Dementia Helpline is an Australian Government Initiative)
Dementia is a National Health Priority Area www.dementia.org.au
/Public Release.
