CMA welcomes the appointment of Mr Blair Comley, PSM, as the Department of Health and Aged Care Secretary. Mr Comley brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in the Commonwealth and New South Wales public sectors.

We welcome the appointment of Mr Blair Comley, PSM, as the Department of Health and Aged Care Secretary.

Previously serving as the Secretary of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, as well as the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency from 2011 to 2013, Mr Comley has showcased his exemplary leadership skills. Furthermore, his tenure as the Secretary of the New South Wales Department of Premier and Cabinet from 2014 to 2017 demonstrated his ability to navigate complex issues and drive positive change.

Currently, a director and partner at Ernst and Young Port Jackson Partners, Mr Comley's strong economic qualifications and proven leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the innovative and rigorous policymaking required to address the challenges and seize the opportunities within our health system and care for older Australians.

Complementary Medicines Australia would also like to sincerely thank Professor Brendan Murphy AC for his outstanding service to Australia's health sector. As the Chief Medical Officer since 2016 and Secretary of the Department of Health since 2020, Professor Murphy's remarkable contributions, including during the global COVID-19 pandemic, have played a pivotal role in keeping Australians safe. We wish him a much-deserved retirement filled with joy and fulfilment.

We look forward to working closely with Mr Blair Comley PSM to promote all Australians' health and well-being as together, we strive to achieve greater accessibility, safety, and efficacy in healthcare.