Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced Anne Ruston, Minister for Families and Social Services and Women's Safety, will replace Greg Hunt as Minister for Health and Aged Care if the Coalition is re-elected at the Federal Election on 21 May.
Ms Ruston, who represents South Australia, would be the first senator to hold the health portfolio since Kay Patterson during John Howard’s Government 20 years ago. She was elected to the Senate for South Australia in 2016 and re-elected in 2019.
Mr Hunt is retiring at the election after 21 years in politics. He was appointed Health Minister and Minister for Sport by then-Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in January 2017. In December 2020, he added responsibility for aged care to his portfolio, leading the Government’s response to the Aged Care Royal Commission.
Prior to becoming Health Minister, Mr Hunt served as Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and Minister for the Environment.
