Arthritis Australia thanks Health Minister Hunt for his years of support for the millions of Australians living with arthritis

Following his announcement of his retirement from politics at the next election, Arthritis Australia acknowledges the strong commitment of the Minister for Health and Aged Care The Hon Greg Hunt MP to improve the lives of the millions of Australians living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, which account for 13% of total disease burden (behind only cancer) and is the leading cause of the non-fatal burden of disease at 24%, equivalent to mental health conditions.^[1]

“Minister Hunt has made an extraordinary contribution as Health Minister during an unprecedented time,” said Ms Kaylene Hubbard, Board Chair of Arthritis Australia. “The health system has faced enormous challenges during the pandemic, but important reforms such as telehealth have shown what can be achieved to improve consumer access to healthcare.”

Arthritis Australia has worked closely with the Minister for Health, including developing and implementing the National Strategic Action Plan for Arthritis, and managing key issues such as shortages of arthritis drugs as a result of the pandemic.

“The National Strategic Action Plan for Arthritis has set an evidence-based blueprint to guide national efforts to improve health and quality of life for people living with arthritis, reduce the cost and prevalence of the condition, and reduce the impact on individuals, their carers and the community,” said Jonathan Smithers, Chief Executive Officer Arthritis Australia.

The Action Plan has already made a real difference for many people with arthritis, with the delivery of:

• The My Psoriatic Arthritis online self-management support program
• An enhanced National Arthritis Infoline service
• World leading living clinical guidelines for juvenile arthritis 

Arthritis Australia wishes Minister Hunt well in his next endeavours.

Media Contact:Jonathan Smithers, CEO      0488011063

[1] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/abds-impact-and-causes-of-illness-and-death-in-aus/summary