The Honourable Greg Hunt served in the Australian Government as Minster for Health and Aged Care from 2017, previously as Industry, Innovation and Science Minister and before that the Environment Minister.
Elected as the Member for Flinders in 2001, Greg announced his retirement from politics late 2021 and in 2022, ahead of the Federal Election, having completed 20 years as a public servant.
Australian Health Journal recently caught up with Greg in a relaxed interview at his home in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria to hear how a 9 month sabbatical has allowed him to focus on family, fitness and future. This has even included some “brutal spin cycle classes!”.
In his Ministerial role, Greg reflects on the critical supply of masks, gloves, gowns, tests, vaccines and ventilators during the initial years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Greg talks about Australia’s sovereign capability in a post-COVID-19 world which has played a part on delivering 98% vaccine uptake across Australians, and with some of the lowest rates of death from COVID. He references the structural platform in place with the Medical Research Future Fund, R&D Tax Concession and the Patent Box.
Looking ahead, precision health as a service, stem cells and genomics are key trends that will define the future workforce through targeted treatments, according to Greg. He states with optimism that innovation, research and investment, can make the country a global leader.
He’s also is optimistic the country is well placed with the quality of the workforce, the training in place and the balance between public and private health.
In conclusion Greg, talks to you, the health industry on the support he received both in office and after, and thanks the industry for the treatment delivered to every Australian patient.
Now Greg is moving his attention to 3 pillars – Academic, Philanthropic and Commercial.
Today Greg is the foundation Chair of the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health’s Advisory Council, at Monash University in Melbourne. The Turner Institute is a world leader in research dedicated to preventative brain and mental health research, treatment and education, a focus for Greg.
Australian Health Journal wishes Greg the best in his future endeavours.
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Pharmacist Prescribing Model gets further support from state health
A full scope pharmacist prescriber model allows pharmacists to independently prescribe medicines within their professional competence, without requiring prior doctor authorisation. It extends pharmacists’ role beyond dispensing to include assessment, diagnosis of minor and chronic conditions, initiation and modification of therapy, and ongoing patient monitoring. This model integrates pharmacists into primary care teams, aiming to improve timely access to treatment, reduce pressure on general practitioners, and enhance continuity of care. Pharmacists use their clinical knowledge, patient records, and collaborative pathways to ensure safe prescribing. The model emphasises training, regulation, and accountability to maintain high standards of patient safety.
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Scott Willis, talks Physiotherapy
Health Executive Leadership Insights (HELI)
Scott Willis, the National President of the Australian Physiotherapy Association talks Physiotherapy -
AHJ S1E1: Sydney TMS: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a mild form of brain stimulation. Magnetic fields, generated by a coil placed on the head, are used to stimulate a small area of the brain. It is a non-invasive procedure that treats the symptoms of depression through the use of magnetic fields that stimulate nerve cells. The stimulation takes 20-30 minutes and given on an outpatient basis. While receiving stimulation, the patient is fully awake.
It can be use to treat patients who have little success with common treatments e.g., medication, psycho-therapy.
Sydney TMS operates 3 clinics in Australia that provide TMS treatment to patients. Founder Dr Jason Pace spoke with Australian Health Journal
