Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley has opened up about Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s style of governing; conceding that when it comes to the cabinet room not everyone gets their way.
“There will be times when cabinet ministers leave that room disappointed because while they came in with a system that seemed perfect it was found not to be,” Minister Ley said.
Addressing the National Press Club – the first member of cabinet to do so since Tony Abbott lost the top job in September – Minister Ley took time to highlight her loyalty to protecting the sanctity of robust cabinet discussions. She won’t leak even if things don’t go her way.
“I have never done that and I never will, and all the journalists in this room will know that I have never leaked from Cabinet. That’s not something I ever do.”
Australia’s mental health system is set for a shake-up, being overhauled to better 'catch people before they fall”, with the final package needing cabinet approval.
“What I take to Cabinet may not be what I come away with and that’s a good thing,” the minister said.
Australia’s Health Minister won’t discuss the specifics of the impending reform but insists no funding is being withdrawn.
“My frustration with the system that I have observed is that you get the same level of care if you present because your cat has died, or if you have developed a server psychiatric disorder,” Minister Ley said.
Frank Quinlan, the CEO of Mental Health Australia says the system is reviewed too often and “the proof will be in the pudding”.
“We need early intervention and prevention. Programs that actually prevent people from becoming ill in the first place,” Mr Quinlan said.
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