Ministerial Team

The Department is responsible to the Minister for Health and Ageing, the Minister for Ageing and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing.

As at 30 June 2007, the Hon Tony Abbott MHR, as senior Minister and member of Cabinet, held overarching policy responsibility for all issues pertaining to health and ageing. He was appointed Minister for Health and Ageing on 7 October 2003.

The Hon Christopher Pyne MP, Minister for Ageing, had responsibility for all matters relating to ageing, as well as other areas including hearing services, illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco issues. He was appointed Minister for Ageing on 21 March 2007.

Senator the Hon Brett Mason, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, assisted Minister Abbott by assuming responsibility for matters relating to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and food policy. Senator Mason is also responsible for mental health and suicide prevention, blood and organ donation regulation and human cloning and stem cell research. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing on 21 March 2007.

A full description of ministerial responsibilities can be found at Part 3.6 – Ministerial Responsibilities.