Health Minister Greg Hunt, who took on the additional role of Minister for Aged Care in December 2020, announced today he will end his 20-year career in politics and not run in the 2022 election.

Mr Hunt led the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which saw the Government pledge a $17.7 billion aged care package over the next four years to deliver a ‘once in a generation change’ to the aged care system.

In addition, the Government committed to take up in full or in part 126 of the Commissioners’ 148 recommendations – with another 12 to be further considered and six not accepted.

Mr Hunt also led the Government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, which hit Australia in January last year. He was the architect of the rollout of the national vaccination program that has seen 87.2% of the nation vaccinated. In the aged care industry, 161,747 residents have been fully vaccinated.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was asked on Wednesday about unconfirmed reports his colleague and friend Mr Hunt was retiring.

“We are very dear friends and he has been an outstanding Health Minister through this crisis,” said Mr Hunt.

“The fact that Australia has one of the lowest mortality rates in the world and the fact that we have one of the highest vaccination rates in the world is in due to no small part to the incredible work that all health professionals have done across Australia, and Greg as the Health Minister on this once-in-a-century pandemic has been outstanding.”