5/03/2008 - The Minister representing the aged care industry is of course no longer Christopher Pyne. Member for Richmond Justine Elliot now holds the position of Minister for Ageing under the new Rudd Federal Government. This presents numerous opportunities for the aged care industry in developing relationships that will assist the sector in achieving more of its goals for improvement.
Whilst Jan McLucas previously held the position of Shadow Minister for Ageing, she is now Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing. With her background in the ageing portfolio, she will still have a strong interest in matters affecting the industry. And, of course, Nicola Roxon has overall responsibility for Health and Ageing. This was always expected, given the great work she’s done for the party under the health portfolio in the Shadow Ministry.
The Hon Justin Elliot MP
Minister for Ageing
Name:
Ms Justine Elliot MP
Occupation:
Minister for Ageing
Background:
Justine Elliot has been the Federal Member for Richmond since 2004. Justine has a strong background in the health community sector having been a former community representative on the Northern Rivers Area Health Service Hospital and Community Health Council prior to becoming a Federal MP. She has also worked as a Youth Justice Convenor with the NSW Department of Juvenile Justice and was previously a Police Officer.
Getting the job done:
Justine’s seat of Richmond has a very high number of older people, reflecting the ageing population, with 20 percent of people living in this electorate aged 65 and over. For this reason, she has a core understanding of the enormous pressure on health and social services, not only in her seat, but across Australia. She will have a key focus on health care services and access to aged care facilities.
Personal:
Justin Elliot lives at Fingal Head with her husband Craig and their two young children.
Quote:
"I certainly want to repay that faith in me by getting on with the job ahead and delivering on federal Labor's detailed plans for Australia's future."
- ABC News Online, 30 November 2007
