Aussie women would benefit from a $573 million package under a re-elected Albanese government
A pre-election promise from the Albanese government has dangled a $573 million package in front of the noses of Australian women.
Health
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Australian women will gain access to the first new contraceptive on the PBS in 30 years, more bulk billing for IUDs and implants, new menopause and UTI treatments and endometriosis clinics under a ‘game-changing’ $500 million pre-election investment in women’s health.
The Albanese Government will announce the $573 million women’s health package on Saturday night confirming that the women’s vote will be crucial in the federal election.
Women’s Minister Katy Gallagher said the five-year investment by the Albanese Labor Government has been informed by extensive consultation with women, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups.
“Women have asked the government to take their healthcare seriously, and we have listened,’’ Senator Gallagher said.
“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.
“Whether it’s saving hundreds of dollars on contraceptives, opening more endo and pelvic pain clinics, or ensuring more reliable support for women going through menopause – this comprehensive package will deliver for millions of women and their families.”
New contraceptive pill
In the first PBS listing for new oral contraceptive pills in more than 30 years, the listing of Yaz® and Yasmin® is set to save 50,000 women hundreds of dollars a year.
The new announcement also aims to offer more choice, lower costs and better access to long-term contraceptives, with larger Medicare payments and more bulk billing for IUDs and birth control implants saving around 300,000 women per year up to $400 in out-of-pocket cost.
The government is also pledging to offer more Medicare support for women experiencing menopause, with a new Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments, funding to train health professionals, the first-ever clinical guidelines and a national awareness campaign.
In the first PBS listing for new menopausal hormone therapies in over 20 years, around 150,000 women will save hundreds of dollars a year from the listing of Prometrium®, Estrogel® and Estrogel® Pro.
More endo clinics
Last year the government announced new investments in the treatment of endometriosis in the wake of news.com.au’s groundbreaking campaign.
“I was deeply moved by the women who spoke about their experience with endometriosis during the About Bloody Time campaign,” Health Minister Mark Butler said. “I hope through this announcement today they feel listened to.”
From July 1, 2025, women suffering from the debilitating disease will have longer specialist consultations of 45 minutes or more covered under Medicare.
Previously, an initial gynaecologist appointment received an $81.30 rebate which covered only 10 minutes of a gynaecologist’s time. The result of the small rebate saw patients being crammed into short sessions which barely scratched the surface of their issues.
As of July next year, Medicare will cover $168.60 for an initial appointment, and $84.35 for follow-up appointments, compared to the previous rate of $40.85.
The investment, set aside in Tuesday’s budget, will provide about 430,000 more services to help women across the country with complex gynaecological conditions.
But under this weekend’s announcement the government plans to expand that even further.
The new changes will include new endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics and extending them to treat more conditions, including the opening of 11 new clinics, and ensuring these and the existing 22 clinics are also staffed to provide additional specialist support for menopause.
Help for chronic UTIs
The Albanese government will also roll out new national trials to offer contraceptives and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs directly from pharmacies.
The two national trials will benefit 250,000 concession cardholders who will be able to consult a trained pharmacist at no cost and, if medications are required, pay only the usual medicine cost.
Some measures will take effect almost immediately, for example the PBS listing of the first new contraceptive pills in more than 30 years, and the first new menopausal hormone therapies in more than 20 years.
Other measures will be implemented following the re-election of the Albanese Labor Government.
“Game-changing”
Abbie Chatfield has previously spoken out on her It’s a Lot podcast, about the impact of chronic UTIs and how she had to go to hospital to get antibiotics for a UTI.
“It was a last resort, I was in so much pain, and I needed antibiotics, and there were no 24-hour chemists open,” Abbie Chatfield said.
“I was sleeping in the bath.”
“I constantly hear stories particularly from the women in my life of their repeatedly dismissed chronic pain, not to mention my own experience with UTIs being brushed off and yet winding me up in hospital with a kidney infection too often.”
Assistant Minister Kearney said too often women’s health complaints were brushed aside.
“From our first periods as young girls to menopause in older age, women’s health has been shrouded in shame and stigma,’’ she said.
“I’m proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that stands up for women and says this is not good enough, and it never has been.
“Women deserve choice and control when it comes to their healthcare needs, and they deserve a healthcare system that understands and responds to these needs as they change throughout their lives.
“This investment in women’s health of over half a billion dollars will shift the dial on an entrenched culture of medical misogyny – we’re talking about alleviating pain, reducing delays in diagnosis, avoiding unplanned pregnancies, and transforming menopause care.”
Caroline Mulcahy, Chair Family Planning Alliance said the funding is a game-changer for reproductive healthcare in Australia.
“For too long, women have faced barriers in accessing affordable, sexual and reproductive healthcare,’’ she said.
“This funding offers health care practitioners the essential education and training they need to care for women and girls across their reproductive life cycle.
“It also offers women more choice and control when considering contraception, treatments for heavy periods, pelvic pain, endometriosis and menopause.
“We are thrilled that the Albanese Government has listened to women and girls across Australia and has acknowledged their reproductive challenges and concerns.
“Removing barriers and providing accurate information, appropriate medical counselling, and easy access to contraceptive services increases choice, accessibility and affordability.”
Originally published as Aussie women would benefit from a $573 million package under a re-elected Albanese government
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