It is an honour to be reappointed as Minister for Health and Aged Care, and as Minister for Sport.

The Turnbull Government has developed a bold and ambitious health reform agenda needed to deliver a first-class, universal health system and I thank the Prime Minister for the opportunity to continue this important work.

This includes protecting the future of Medicare and ensuring it remains universally accessible to all Australians, as well as tackling the growing burden of chronic disease through our Health Care Homes.

This work will continue to be complemented by integrated reforms to mental health, medicines, hospital funding, rural health, aged care, dental, private health insurance, vaccinations, sports participation and preventative health.

This is because I am passionate about ensuring Australians don’t just live longer lives, but healthier ones too.

The Turnbull Government will also continue to listen closely to the Australian people and health professionals and hear what it is they want from their health system.

However, we must not be afraid to ask the tough questions and ensure every taxpayer dollar spent on health lands as close to the patient as possible.

A failure to ensure our national health spend is efficient will ultimately fail the patients who need it most.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with our stakeholders to ensure we appropriately balance the needs of patients with the need to protect the long-term sustainability of universal health care in this country.

The Department of Health, under the leadership of Martin Bowles PSM, has also demonstrated dedicated support and innovation over the past 18 months and I look forward to continuing our strong partnership.

Finally, I would also like to acknowledge the people in my electorate who have again placed their faith in me as the Member for Farrer for a sixth term. Without their support I could not take on this extremely challenging and rewarding position.