Three women in charge of health and ageing

The new Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has appointed three women in the important health and ageing portfolios.

Nicola Roxon has retained her position as new Minister for Health and Ageing, and is in the new Cabinet.

Former Ageing, Disabilities and Carers shadow minister, Senator Jan McLucas has been appointed to Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing.

The new Minister for Ageing, in the outer Ministry, is Justine Elliot, the member for Richmond in northern NSW. She entered Parliament in 2004.

Other interesting appointments in the new Government include:

Senator Ursula Stephens from NSW has been appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion. In opposition she had been shadow Parliamentary Secretary for social and community affairs.

Disability policy will remain within the Families and Community Services portfolio, held by Jenny Macklin, who will be in Cabinet.