The Coalition supports the Government’s $573.3 million package announced today, which is an expansion of the historic work undertaken by the former Coalition Government in supporting women’s health.
Women’s health has always been a priority for the Federal Opposition, which is why in Government we launched the national Women's Health Strategy 2020 – 2030 to improve long-term health outcomes for women and girls.
In May 2022, in line with the National Strategy, the Coalition announced our historic investment for endometriosis and pelvic pain, which led to the establishment of Australia’s first endometriosis-specific clinics.
We welcome the Government’s decision to expand on this work with 11 new clinics.
Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston announced that the Coalition will match the women’s health package, including measures to enhance menopause care for women through a new Medicare rebate, expand health professional training, develop national clinical guidelines, and increase funding for endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics.
“This package builds on the important work we started in government and it is in line with our strong commitment to supporting better women’s health outcomes in Australia,” Shadow Minister Ruston said.
“I want to acknowledge Nicolle Flint who absolutely spearheaded the push through the last parliament to secure our historic endometriosis package, which forms the foundation of this additional funding.
“Whether it is helping women who live with chronic health conditions like endometriosis, supporting women with menopause, or helping families on their fertility journey, we are committed to getting the policy settings right.
“However, the Coalition remains concerned that, under the Albanese Labor Government, it has never been harder or more expensive for women in Australia to access critical primary care.
The GP bulk billing rate has collapsed. When the Coalition left government, bulk billing was at 88%. It has now fallen to 77%.
Patients are now paying record high out-of-pocket costs to see a doctor under Labor’s cost-of-living crisis. This has led to more than 1.5 million Australians avoiding seeing a GP in 2023-24 due to cost concerns.
“Australian women must have timely and affordable access to the health advice and check-ups, especially as they manage the more debilitating effects of menopause and endometriosis,” Shadow Minister Ruston said.
“That is why it is so critical that Labor’s primary care crisis is addressed as a matter of urgency.”
In addition to this new funding package, the Coalition has already committed to guaranteeing cheaper medicines and targeted healthcare for women through a specific review to ensure they are able to get the best quality care when they need it most.
As Peter Dutton has previously announced, the Coalition will continue to develop policy to ensure women have access to the healthcare they need, particularly in primary care and for menopause and peri-menopause.
We want to ensure that women across Australia can access care that is not only affordable but also understands their experience and needs.
ENDS
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