Question Time AU

General Debate

Women's Health

House of Representatives · Thursday 13 February 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Members debated a government announcement of a $573 million investment over five years to improve women's reproductive health care. The package includes new Medicare rebates for menopause assessments, PBS listings for modern contraceptives and hormone therapies, and funding for endometriosis clinics. Labor members highlighted the economic and social benefits of addressing these issues, while the Greens welcomed the measures but criticised the delay of some initiatives until after the election and called for free contraception and improved abortion access.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Belyea announced a $573 million investment over five years to strengthen Medicare for women's reproductive health. Belyea detailed new measures including a Medicare rebate for menopause health assessments, training for health professionals, and national clinical guidelines. The package also lists new menopausal hormone therapies and oral contraceptives on the PBS from 1 March, aiming to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Belyea argued that these changes would help women remain in the workforce and address the economic impact of untreated reproductive health issues.