A newly formed Cabinet sub-committee is set to oversee a new team approach to the delivery of public health in Western Australia.
The sub-committee will be chaired by new Health Minister, Meredith Hammat, and will include Health Infrastructure Minister, John Carey; Aged Care and Seniors Minister, Simone McGurk; Preventative Health Minister, Sabine Winton and Medical Research Minister, Stephen Dawson.
WA Premier, Roger Cook said the sub-committee will provide a collaborative framework for policy development and decision making, in the pursuit of the Government’s vision for Western Australia to be the healthiest state in the nation.
“As a result of Western Australia having the strongest economy in the nation, we also have the fastest growing population in the nation, and this has created challenges in areas like health and housing,” said the Premier.
“I have said my new Government will tackle every challenge with energy and determination, which is what this bold new collaborative approach to health is all about.
“Taking a team approach to health will enable us to pursue my government’s vision for Western Australia to be the healthiest state in the nation.
“This is about improving the health and wellbeing of Western Australians, to reduce demand on our public health system over time, while ensuring that our emergency departments and hospitals have the capacity they need to provide care for Western Australians when they need it.”
As Health Minister, Ms Hammat will have responsibility for the operational aspects of Western Australia’s public hospitals and ambulance services. As Mental Health Minister, she will be joined by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton in the effort to improve the wellbeing of Western Australians and reduce demand on our public hospitals over the long term, said Mr Cook.
“Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey will drive the delivery of new capacity in WA’s health system. This includes the new Women’s and Babies Hospital project and associated works at Osborne Park and Perth Children’s Hospital, as well as emergency department upgrades at Royal Perth and Midland.”
Minister Carey will also oversee the delivery of the Government’s regional health infrastructure commitments, which include major redevelopments at Peel Health Campus, Bunbury Regional Hospital, Albany Health Campus and Geraldton Health Campus.
“Minister Simone McGurk will be responsible for Aged Care and Seniors, a portfolio designed to work with the Commonwealth to deliver more aged care places and free up beds in Western Australia’s hospitals,” said Premier Cook.
“Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson will lead work to support our health system and the health of Western Australians by ensuring our State is a leader in vital research and innovation.”
Minister Hammat said the new sub-committee will “work hard every single day to deliver for all Western Australians, no matter where they live in our vast State.
 “The Premier has been clear – it’s time for a new era when it comes to health, and that is exactly what we will deliver,” she said.
 “This bold approach will enable fresh, proactive and collaborative thinking that will boost how we deal with challenges in health and deliver services and infrastructure in a new and innovative way that benefits our community.”
