I would like to join the Prime Minister in thanking Mr Martin Bowles PSM for his distinguished career of public service which has spanned almost forty years.
Mr Bowles will retire as Secretary of the Department of Health, effective 1 September 2017.
Before being appointed as Secretary of the Department of Health in October 2014, Mr Bowles served in the positions of Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Deputy Secretary in the Department of Climate Change and Energy, and the Department of Defence.
Prior to joining the Commonwealth Public Service, Mr Bowles worked for the Queensland and New South Wales Governments.
Since I came into the Health Portfolio earlier this year, I have deeply valued Martin’s advice and guidance.
In particular, I would like to thank Martin for his significant contribution to the agreement with Medicines Australia which was a fundamental part of both the Health sector compacts and the Budget.
This is a significant reform which ensures that Australians have access to the world’s best medicines with a sustainable Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Martin has also undertaken significant organisational change within the Department of Health, investing in the capability of staff to better service government projects for the benefit of the Australian community.
Once again I thank Martin for his distinguished career of public service, and I wish him all the very best for his future endeavours.
(ENDS)