We would like to express our sincere condolences to the Hunt family on the passing of Hon Ralph Hunt AO on 22 May 2011, aged 83.
As Health Minister, Mr Hunt restructured Medibank into a private health insurer in response to significant financial challenges, thereby creating the foundations of the organisation which operates today. He was truly Medibank's "First Member" and will be sadly missed.
George Savvides, Managing Director of Medibank, said, "It was with great sorrow that we received the news of Mr Hunt's passing. As a politician, he was well-respected and forward-thinking, and not afraid to bring about radical change and necessary action to better the lives of all Australians. We will continue to hold him in high regard as our founder and as a person of constitution who was willing to make the hard decisions in health reform."
Medibank representatives have paid respects to Mr Hunt on behalf of the organisation at recent Senate hearings and will attend the public service this week. Medibank has also arranged for a commemorative donation to be made to the Garvin Research Institute, in the Hon Ralph Hunt AO's name.