Chris Pyne Replaces Senator Santoro as the New Minister for Ageing

Chris Pyne from South Australia ( representing the Sturt electorate) has
replaced the disgraced Senator Santo Santoro as the new Commonwealth Minister for Ageing.

Mr Pyne has had his rise to the Ministry delayed due, it is thought, to
being a strong supporter of Treasurer Peter Costello in a state where
leading Liberals Alexander Downer and Nick Minchin support the Prime
Minister.

He says he is “delighted to be given the opportunities to meet the
challenges of the Ageing portfolio “.

One of his first tasks is to investigate the controversial granting of
dementia care bed licences on the Gold Coast to a Liberal Party
colleague of Senator Santoro.

He also has to respond to the concerns of the aged care industry over
unexpected funding outcomes and charges, especially in hostel care, in
the long awaited, and just announced $1.5 Billion aged care reform
package.

Mr Pyne broke his Lenten observances to celebrate with a glass of
champagne with his family when his promotion was announced.