OUT of caretaker mode and down to business, Prime Minister Julia Gillard last week announced her new ministry, which includes changes to the Government's health portfolios.

Nicola Roxon will stay on as Minister for Health and Ageing, telling the ABC's Lateline that she was keen to bed down the health reforms introduced during her last term.

Her return was welcomed by AGPN chair Dr Emil Djakic, who expected implementation of the reforms to be underway soon.

"Over the past three years, we have seen a tremendous amount of planning and decision making; what is needed over the next three years is a focus on implementation, to put in place the substantial changes which are needed to Australia's health system," Dr Djakic said.

Following an unpopular decision to axe the Indigenous and rural health portfolio, Ms Gillard reinstated Warren Snowdon as Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery.

The former Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mark Butler, was appointed Minister to the new Mental Health and Ageing portfolio.

Catherine King was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, while Julie Collins and Jan McLucas were appointed Parliamentary Secretaries for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.