Communications Minister Paul Fletcher says Greg Hunt has done a “superb job” being Health Minister of Australia.
Mr Hunt is expected on Thursday to announce he will not recontest his Victorian seat of Flinders, retiring from politics.
“Greg has done a superb job as Health Minister in the most challenging circumstances imaginable,” Mr Fletcher told Sky News host Chris Smith.
“I have seen how ferociously hard he’s worked, the intellect, the energy, the integrity, the passions he’s brought to this job.
“There’s doubt in my mind that there are many thousands of Australians who are alive today who would not be if it were not for the extraordinary application and diligence and talent that Greg showed in this role at this absolutely critical time.”