Media Statement

6 June 2009

I am very much humbled by the Prime Minister’s appointment of me to the positions of Cabinet of Secretary and Special Minister of State.

It is a great privilege to be offered this position of trust at the centre of government. I intend to reach out to all parties to continue Senator Faulkner’s important work on electoral reform and reform of information law, including Freedom of Information, across government.

My other priority will be in improving co-ordination across government and enhancing the administrative operation of Cabinet. This is a busy government with a nation building reform agenda and I look forward to a broader role in helping to keep the agenda on track.

I am very grateful for my time in the Human Services portfolio. It has been an honour to serve with the dedicated staff of Centrelink, Medicare Australia, Australian Hearing and the Department of Human Services including CRS Australia and the Child Support Agency.

I don’t think there is enough credit or recognition given to these staff who really are the face of the Australian Government out in the community.

All of the officers of the Department and Agencies have an outstanding commitment to public service to the people of Australia and I am very proud of the way they have responded to natural disasters like the Victorian Bushfires and in delivering the government’s important social reforms and the stimulus packages in response to the global recession.

I want to thank these dedicated public servants for their efforts during my time as Minister for Human Services – they really are a national treasure, as I am sure the incoming Minister, Chris Bowen, will find.

Media Contact

Sarah Cosson — 0423 823 843 or (02) 6277 7200