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As a GP, service to the community was the greatest quality Dr Kim Hames’ father portrayed. It is a quality that Kim has tried to emulate, both by following his father into general practice and in his 12 years in politics.
Having spent most of his family holidays in the Mandurah area and with his father having practised as a doctor in the Peel Region for the latter part of his working life, it was natural for Kim to move to the Peel Region where he was fortunate enough to be elected as the Member for Dawesville in 2005.
While in Opposition, Kim chaired the Education and Health Standing Committee – Inquiry into the Cause and Extent of Lead Pollution in the Esperance Area. He was previously the Member for Dianella (1993-96) and for Yokine (1996-01) and for that term was also the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Housing and Water Resources where he was responsible for the introduction of swimming pools in remote communities.
Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament, Kim was a councillor at the City of Bayswater for eight years and was for many years on call as a doctor with the Army Reserve. In addition he was involved with delegations taking in much needed medical supplies to Bangladesh and Chernobyl
when emergencies arose.
As Minister for Health, Kim is committed to bringing a fresh vision and new ideas to the running of the health services in our State. He is particularly focused on ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care within a reasonable timeframe, while meeting growing demand for ED and inpatient services.
Achievements to date include introducing the Emergency Department ‘Four Hour Rule’ which will streamline and enhance emergency patient care at WA’s public hospitals, saving Royal Perth Hospital, and providing additional substantial funding for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme to improve access to medical care for regional communities.
Kim also has a keen interest in Aboriginal health in remote localities and as Minister for Indigenous Affairs has established the Indigenous Implementation Board, led by Lt-Gen John Sanderson, to improve social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Kim graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1976 with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees. |