Women’s health is set to get a boost with the implementation of the Albanese Government’s $573 million election commitment over the next five years.
Women’s Health Victoria Chief Executive Officer Sally Hasler congratulated the Albanese Government on its re-election and said the suite of measures committed to as part of the campaign would make a difference to the lives of millions of women.
“For too long, women’s health needs have been treated as a secondary issue, but this commitment from the Federal Government will make essential healthcare more affordable for Australian women,” Ms Hasler said.
“Having Medicare cover a greater proportion of the cost of experts providing long-acting contraceptive devices, like IUDs and other implants, will save women money in the short term during the insertion appointment.
“It also saves women money in the long-term when they don’t need to rely on the more expensive options such as the oral contraceptive pill.”
Women’s Health Victoria’s 2024 report, Realising Access: Abortion and contraception inequities and enablers in Victoria revealed that the up-front cost of long-acting reversible contraception was a barrier for some women, but that the annual cost of hormonal or copper IUDs was as little as $25.10, compared to the oral contraceptive pill at more than $170.
“We are also really pleased to see the government’s commitment to better care for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause with the inclusion of more menopausal hormone therapies included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule, and improved training for healthcare practitioners to support women going through this stage of their lives,” she said.
Ms Hasler said Women’s Health Victoria stands ready to work with the government to support the roll-out of new pelvic pain clinics in Victoria, and other initiatives the government has committed to implementing.
“It’s about time women got the healthcare they deserve and we welcome this investment from the Albanese Government.”
