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The Albanese Labor Government has announced a $573.3 million funding boost to deliver more choice, lower costs and better health care for women.
The package will introduce the first PBS listing for new oral contraceptive pills and menopausal hormone therapies in decades, cheaper and improved access to long-term contraceptives, as well as more endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics.
The package will also support improved Medicare support for women experiencing menopause, along with contraceptives and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs directly from pharmacies.
Labor’s Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher, believes the package will give women more control over their lives.
Our investment of more than half a billion dollars will deliver more choice, lower costs, and better healthcare for women at all stages of their lives.
“These changes could save women and their families thousands of dollars across their lifetimes,” Gallagher says.
Minister for Health, Mark Butler, said the funding commitment was “a tribute to all the Australian women who have worked so hard, for so long, to have their voices heard and acknowledged.”
In response, both the Coalition and the Greens support the Albanese Government’s plan, but stress more could be achieved when it comes to women’s health.
Greens Senator and spokesperson for women, Larissa Waters, says the party welcomes the addition of more modern contraceptive pills being added to the PBS, but remains critical of the cost.
The Greens' policy aimed to make all contraceptives completely free, removing the financial burden for women.
"If the Greens can work with Labor in a minority government after the election, we will deliver critical progress for women’s healthcare,” Ms Waters says.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Senator Anne Ruston has also responded positively to the announcement, welcoming the Government’s decision to expand the treatment of endometriosis and pelvic pain with 11 new 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,” Minister Ruston said.
Some measures will take effect almost immediately, like the PBS listings, while other measures will be implemented following the election.