Australia’s leading mental health advocacy body, Beyond Blue, has extended its gratitude to outgoing Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, who yesterday announced his retirement from politics.
Beyond Blue Chair, Julia Gillard AC described Mr Hunt was a caring and passionate advocate for mental health, dedicated to improving the lives of those experiencing mental ill-health and suicidality.
“As Federal Health Minister, he embraced change and innovation, and worked tirelessly to address the
most pressing issues in mental health and suicide prevention,” Ms Gillard said.
“Notably, he seized the potential of telehealth to expand access to mental health and wellbeing support.
“He recognised the healing potential of universal aftercare for those in suicidal distress. And importantly, he championed the voices of lived experience, talking openly of his own family’s experience with mental illness.
“Minister Hunt’s dedication and passion for the cause will cement his legacy, and Beyond Blue thanks him
for his service and wishes him well in his retirement from politics,” she said.
Minister Hunt gave a tearful valedictory speech as he announced his retirement in Parliament, for which he received a standing ovation from both sides of the chamber.
Mr Hunt has served as Liberal member for the Victorian electorate of Flinders for two decades and has been the Federal Health Minister since 2017.
Prime Minister, Scott Morrison thanked the long-serving Minister for his dedication to public life.
“Your father, mate, he would be so proud,” Mr Morrison told the departing health minister.
“Thank you for honouring this place. Thank you for honouring our party. Thank you for honouring your family and thank you for honouring yourself in the way you have conducted yourself,” the PM said.
